COMPETITION

A Sheep, At Last!

An elder counts sheep as they fall asleep for the last time. Seeds spread across infertile land, among the deterioration of our bodily vessel and the earth it decomposes into.

“A Sheep, At Last!” is an experimental film utilizing stop motion animation, hand made sets and figures. Crafted, filmed, and scored on the bed of the filmmaker.

Directors:

Benjamin Evan Williams

Key Cast:

-

Writers:

Benjamin Evan Williams

Producers:

Benjamin Evan Williams

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Animation, Experimental, Short

Genres:

Experimental, stop motion, animation

Duration:

0:09:35

Country of Origin:

United States

Completion Date:

2020-04-20

Language:

-

Alchemy: Pathway to Profound Powers

Alchemy is an ancient practice that has fascinated and mystified people for centuries. This documentary explores the history and secrets of alchemy and its connection to the pursuit of profound powers. Through interviews with experts in the field, as well as a detailed historical timeline, viewers will learn about the origins of alchemy and its evolution over time. They will also delve into the beliefs of ancient and contemporary alchemists, who sought to turn base metals into gold and discover the secret to eternal life.

The documentary will explore the ways in which alchemy has influenced science, philosophy, and spirituality throughout history. Its audience will learn about famous alchemists, such as Hermes Trismegistus, John Dee, and Sir Isaac Newton, who made significant contributions to the field. The film will also explore the idea that alchemy is not just a historical curiosity, but a practice that is still relevant today. Viewers will learn about modern practitioners of alchemy, who believe that the pursuit of spiritual and psychological transformation can be achieved through alchemical practices.

​Ultimately, the documentary will argue that alchemy is not just a quest for material wealth or immortality, but a path towards profound powers that can transform the individual and the world around them. Whether you are a skeptic or a believer, this film is sure to offer a thought-provoking exploration of one of the most intriguing and enigmatic practices in human history. 

Directors:

Sharon Ann Rowland

Key Cast:

Michael Lamb, Sevn, Cristian Matheson, David Monaghan, David Still, Vesna Sterjovska, White Raven Heart, Madison Eaton

Writers:

Sharon Ann Rowland

Producers:

Greg Charles Eaton

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Documentary

Genres:

-

Duration:

1:40:17

Country of Origin:

Australia

Completion Date:

2023-07-07

Language:

English

Alegrías riojanas

An ophthalmologist's confession gets interrupted when the priest who was attending him leaves in an emergency. On his way to his office, he is fatally run over by a car, and his immortal soul is thrown into a purgatory populated by grotesque creatures.

Directors:

Velasco Broca

Key Cast:

Juan Antonio Herreruela, Ramon Churruca, Fernando Moreno, Rafael Alberola

Writers:

Velasco Broca, Lucía Moreno

Producers:

Eduardo Carneros

Other Credits:

DOP: Isabel Ruiz Ruiz; Sound: Luca Rullo, Roberto Fernández; Edition: Velasco Broca; FX: Salvador J. Boluda, Jorge Torrens

Project Type:

Experimental, Short

Genres:

Sci-Fi

Duration:

0:28:12

Country of Origin:

Spain

Completion Date:

2022-09-29

Language:

Italian, Spanish

Beyond the Speed of Life

Beyond the Speed of Life : 1970 is a visual accompaniment to Port Sulphur's 'the Speed of Life' long-player.

Shot entirely with 1960s vintage 16mm cameras and lenses it is an exploration of early music video aesthetics, B-Movies, amateur filmmaking and the Underground – Warhol, Brakhage, Deren, Mekas and Anger.

Reflecting the recording of the Speed of Life album, the filmmaking process deployed a similar 'automatic' writing approach of unlearning technique, a refusal of pre-determined composition and ensuring that 'first ideas' take priority regardless of secondary thought merit.

Directors:

Grant McPhee

Key Cast:

-

Writers:

-

Producers:

-

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Experimental, Feature, Music Video

Genres:

Fantasty, Horror, Experimental

Duration:

1:05:00

Country of Origin:

United Kingdom

Completion Date:

2023-01-05

Language:

-

Black Tea

A lonely Victorian widow longing for her lost love, conjures a spell to be reunited.

Directors:

LAURA MCQUAY

Key Cast:

Allyn Carrell

Writers:

LAURA MCQUAY

Producers:

LAURA MCQUAY

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Short

Genres:

-

Duration:

0:07:34

Country of Origin:

United States

Completion Date:

2022-06-15

Language:

-

Death of Mandanin

The film is a surreal short film in which the filmmaker was looking to converse and resonate with the film-making history, especially the part dates back to the last century. Though the movie is shot with modern digital devices, not with the traditional means of film-making. The filmmaker is also looking to provoke thoughts on the impact of modern devices on the ways of making new films.Since Un Chien Andalou (1928 France), numerous talented directors have started their very own depiction of human’s deepest desires in their works. The filmmaker of Death of Mandanin believed people’s hidden consciousness has served as a major drive that spurs people climb up the social ladder. However, in a society without a fair competition where almost all the dreams are flightless, one could hardly realize what he or she desires. It is also a manifestation of the death of people’s spiritual freedom.The film co-opted chapters from the Bible as hidden clues, it also blended in the film with elements such as Tarot, psychoanalysis, philosophy, poetry, contemporary communist movements, etc. The film describes the struggles of the people at the bottom from all aspects. The film conveys a tragic view that idealism will be disillusioned when suppressed by the social structure, but the film is also a heroic lament, at least it conveys a positive belief to find the way to ultimate freedom. The artistic feature of the film is that it fictionalizes a dialogue between God and the sleepwalker which also mocks the reality.

Directors:

yucan ye

Key Cast:

zhi ye

Writers:

yucan ye

Producers:

yucan ye, zhi ye

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Experimental

Genres:

-

Duration:

0:19:59

Country of Origin:

China

Completion Date:

2023-04-20

Language:

English

First Hermanubis: Initiation

First Hermanubis is the first installment of a planned longer series of films using the figure of Hermanubis, a Hellenistic-Egyptian deity combining Hermes and Anubis, as a starting point for thinking about hybridized identities, magic and the occult. This first episode focuses on the story of my family, Greeks who came to the United States from Turkey in the early 20th Century, my relationship to growing up in the Greek Orthodox Church, self-initiation into magic, and relocation to Cairo, Egypt.

This film is available to screen as a 16mm print, a DCP, or a quicktime file.

Directors:

Michael Alexander Morris

Key Cast:

-

Writers:

-

Producers:

-

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Documentary, Experimental

Genres:

-

Duration:

0:40:00

Country of Origin:

United States

Completion Date:

2022-12-15

Language:

-

Ghost Song

A narrator reveals the details of a mysterious, transformative encounter that took place in a remote locale. 

Directors:

Joseph Keckler, M. Sharkey

Key Cast:

Joseph Keckler

Writers:

Joseph Keckler

Producers:

-

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Experimental, Music Video, Short, Other

Genres:

Ghost Story, Comedy

Duration:

0:05:59

Country of Origin:

Not Specified

Completion Date:

2022-10-31

Language:

-

Gli orrori della prostrazione di Giacomo Chernini

-

Directors:

Lorenzo Leucio Domenico Incardona

Key Cast:

Ivan Coscia

Writers:

Lorenzo Leucio Domenico Incardona

Producers:

Lorenzo Leucio Domenico Incardona

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Experimental, Short

Genres:

-

Duration:

0:00:00

Country of Origin:

Italy

Completion Date:

2023-04-13

Language:

Italian

HEART. HEAVEN. HORSE. HELL

HEART. HEAVE. HORSE. HELL is a meditation on the perpetual human strugle between our intuitif nature and our flaud contructed ego. This chaotic dance of opposites results in an entwined Jungian chimaera.

Due to the plague of narcistic "main character syndrome" that modern society has birthed, we see ourselves as the heroic equistrian, riding and taming the herd animal, which is in fact our true self. Only through introspection into our primordial heart can we transform.

We can choose to become the butterfly, or a horseman of the apochalypse.

Directors:

Jonah Steeman

Key Cast:

-

Writers:

-

Producers:

-

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Experimental, Short

Genres:

-

Duration:

0:04:00

Country of Origin:

Belgium

Completion Date:

2023-11-01

Language:

English

IDOL

Disenchanted with the women around him, a man creates an idol of the perfect female and falls in love with it. This live-action puppet short film uses the classical Pygmalion story to explore contemporary issues such as objectification, media culture, social withdrawal and hikikomori syndrome.

(Please note: this film contains minimal non-essential dialogue that is not intended to be translated or subtitled)

Directors:

Kris Fleerackers

Key Cast:

-

Writers:

Kris Fleerackers

Producers:

Kris Fleerackers

Other Credits:

Puppeteer: Kris Fleerackers; Puppets & Set Creation: Kris Fleerackers; Original Story: Publius Ovidius Naso; Composer: Jean-Philippe Rameau; Cinematography: Kris Fleerackers; Lighting: Kris Fleerackers; Editor: Kris Fleerackers; Sound design: Kris Fleerackers; Outside Eye: Atma Frans

Project Type:

Short

Genres:

Drama, puppetry, poetry, art, live animation

Duration:

0:13:45

Country of Origin:

Canada

Completion Date:

2021-09-19

Language:

English

IL VANGELO DI GIUDA

Film sperimentale senza scopo di lucro.

Directors:

FREDERICO MONTE SIMIONATO

Key Cast:

-

Writers:

FREDERICO MONTE SIMIONATO

Producers:

FREDERICO MONTE SIMIONATO

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Experimental, Feature

Genres:

-

Duration:

4:04:35

Country of Origin:

Not Specified

Completion Date:

-

Language:

-

Ipsa

AN ANCIENT INDIAN FABLE 

The Himalayan Foothills, circa 500CE: A neglected housewife struggles with infertility, leading her husband to bring a second wife into their home. As she grows distant from the family, she visits a mysterious sage seeking divine intervention.

Directors:

Pavitra Verma

Key Cast:

Pooja Bhamrrah, Pankaj Berry, Hitesh Sharma, Rushita Vaidya, Ravindra Chauhan

Writers:

Pavitra Verma

Producers:

Aastha Verma, Anil Kumar

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Short, Student

Genres:

Mythology, Drama, Horror, Fantasy

Duration:

0:24:45

Country of Origin:

United States

Completion Date:

2023-02-28

Language:

Hindi, Sanskrit

Közüngü

Közüngü is the name given to the mirrors worn on the chest areas of their ritual costumes by kam, who were the anonymous sages, inventors, manufacturers, artists and craftsmen of the hunter-gatherer Turkish communities. The documentary explores the reflections of Central Asian Turkish culture on the culture of Anatolia

Although kam came to be recognized in time as witch doctors, the palce of these people in societal history is way beyond what this term implies. Kam are individuals who stand out from their communities by their unique psychologies, ways of thinking and dispositions, evident from their childhood onwards. What makes these individuals each with very high observation skills is the ability to synthesize their observations, draw conclusions from these and convert them into knowledge.

Közüngü, through interviews with craftsmen and artists knowledgeable both in their fields and the evolution of Turkish culture through the ages, focuses on the questions of who “kam” is, what duty they took, and why they had to take, upon themselves in the Central Asian society, and why it is believed that the first blacksmiths, musicians, instrument makers and artists were “kam”.

Directors:

Ahmet Tolga Ayıklar

Key Cast:

-

Writers:

Ahmet Tolga Ayıklar

Producers:

Ahmet Tolga Ayıklar

Other Credits:

Director of Photography: Ziya Kasapoğlu; Color / VFX : Şeref Sinan Akkaya; Sound Mix: Metin Kahyaoğlu; OST: Ahmet Tolga Ayıklar, Metin Kahyaoğlu; Location Manager: İbrahim Yılmaz; Production Assistant: Yusuf Mustafa Saatçi

Project Type:

Documentary

Genres:

-

Duration:

1:14:00

Country of Origin:

Turkey

Completion Date:

2022-06-01

Language:

Turkish

Leaving Jesus

A group of former Christian fundamentalists meets at a retreat in San Francisco to free themselves from the communities into which they were born and the traumas that came with it. What happens when your entire worldview is shattered, and how do you form a new one while questioning your closest friends and the truths you took for granted?"

Directors:

Ellen Fiske

Key Cast:

-

Writers:

Ellen Fiske

Producers:

Michael Krotkiewski

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Documentary, Feature

Genres:

Drama

Duration:

1:27:12

Country of Origin:

Not Specified

Completion Date:

2023-11-08

Language:

English, Norwegian

Magus Incognito

"The lips of wisdom are closed, except to the ears of Understanding" 

-The Kybalion

The Kybalion, a book about ancient Hermetic philosophy, was published in 1908. The original author(s) were listed as "The Three Initiates," and there is a compelling theory that William Walker Atkinson is the real author. Atkinson sometimes published under the pseudonym Magus Incognito. This 77 second animation is inspired by The Kybalion and its author.

Directors:

Jim Doran

Key Cast:

-

Writers:

-

Producers:

-

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Animation

Genres:

-

Duration:

0:01:17

Country of Origin:

United States

Completion Date:

2023-11-12

Language:

-

Maimulu

Maimulu, a young Nuragic warrior, has a nightmare, a terrifying vision. Danger is coming from the sea. As soon as he wakes up he sees the fire signals, the alarm raised by his people. He must leave his wife and son and begin his silent journey; an arduous journey but also a spiritual one. 

Directors:

Andrea Vacca

Key Cast:

Andrea Petrillo

Writers:

Andrea Vacca

Producers:

Claudio Marceddu

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Short

Genres:

historical, visionary, dreamlike

Duration:

0:23:37

Country of Origin:

Italy

Completion Date:

2023-02-03

Language:

Italian

METAMORPHOSIS

A tyrant father holds his two sons hostage. Alice, the eldest daughter, will find the strength to free herself.

Directors:

Stefano Zait Oliva

Key Cast:

Sergio Danzi, Martina Costa, Simone Marchisio, Siria Colombo, Alexia D'Onofrio

Writers:

Stefano Zait Oliva

Producers:

Stefano Zait Oliva

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Experimental, Short

Genres:

Drama, Horror, Grotesque, experimental

Duration:

0:29:00

Country of Origin:

Italy

Completion Date:

2021-02-01

Language:

Italian

MOANA - Immortal

A dark fantasy music video following a wild Heroine through a post-apocalyptic world. Pianos on fire, enchanted scenery, strange and surrealist creatures, hungry witch rituals... can the pure of heart survive, or will she too become a monster? 

Directors:

-

Key Cast:

-

Writers:

-

Producers:

-

Other Credits:

Director / Editor / Production Designer: Emile M Smith; Cinematographer: Oscar Pappilon; Assistant Director: Mason Duncan, Reece Sturgeon; Main Cast: Moana Mayatrix

Project Type:

Music Video

Genres:

Music Video, Fantasy, Post Apocalyptic, Art Rock, Ballad

Duration:

0:06:55

Country of Origin:

Australia

Completion Date:

2022-05-10

Language:

English

Mystic Maya, Journey of Initiation

"Mystic Maya: Journey of Initiation," is a cinematic masterwork that unveils the ancient wisdom of the Maya. Prepare to be captivated, challenged, and forever changed by this extraordinary exploration of esoteric knowledge.

Step into a hidden realm beyond the pyramids as this captivating documentary unravels the truth about these enigmatic structures, intertwining the sacred initiation rites of the Maya, Egypt, and modern Western Esoteric Mystery schools. Prepare for a mesmerizing journey that challenges your perception of history and illuminates profound connections between diverse esoteric traditions.

"Mystic Maya" unlocks the secrets of pyramids, revealing their purpose as catalysts for personal transformation and global change. Featuring intimate interviews with Mayan lineage holders, esteemed Western Esoteric authors, and renowned experts, "Mystic Maya" reveals the once-veiled knowledge and illuminates the hidden dimensions of world history. 

Experience a transcendent journey that awakens curiosity and invites you to embark on your own path of initiation.

Directors:

Douglas Kip Beechwood

Key Cast:

Hunbatz Men, John L McCollum, David Leonard, Aum Rak Sappar

Writers:

Douglas K Beechwood

Producers:

Douglas K Beechwood

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Documentary

Genres:

History, Maya, esoteric, mystical history, spirituality, shamanism, religion

Duration:

1:15:00

Country of Origin:

United States

Completion Date:

2023-06-30

Language:

English

No More

While shaving his head in a dark and shabby bathroom, Jesus, thin, filthy, and in torn clothes, nurtures doubts about everything. Until the owner of the crumbling hotel where he lives knocks on the door, shouting at him for months of unpaid rent. Jesus is at his limit and runs away without direction. From humanity and from the obligation to save it. He flees from an omnipresent and manipulative father, cowardly and adored by hypocrites and murderers. Jesus flees but he is not the only one. Magdalene and Lucifer are out there. Watched by God. Lambs refusing to be slaughtered in a world of wolves hungry for eternal life.

Directors:

Fabricio Estevam Mira

Key Cast:

Fabricio Estevam Mira, Luiza Leão, Alessandro Martins Neto, Lucas Machado

Writers:

Fabricio Estevam Mira

Producers:

Fabricio Estevam Mira

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Experimental, Short

Genres:

Drama, Horror, Experimental

Duration:

0:31:47

Country of Origin:

Brazil

Completion Date:

2022-01-14

Language:

Portuguese

OR 119

A theoretical musical about the scientist and social thinker Wilhelm Reich, shot in his home and laboratory in Rangeley, Maine. In this playfully performative piece, the writing and work of Freud's favorite student are put to melody and into conversation with contemporary feminist writers.

Directors:

Peggy Ahwesh, Jacqueline Goss

Key Cast:

-

Writers:

-

Producers:

-

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Experimental, Music Video

Genres:

-

Duration:

0:59:00

Country of Origin:

United States

Completion Date:

2023-01-01

Language:

-

Smokescreen

Macroscopic landscapes out of the microscopic world.

Note: Strobe effect throughout the video, 8 pulses per second, inspired by the "Dreamachine", emulating approx. the resonance of this planet and the brain's alpha waves.

Lyrics:

In tune with the cycle that's running deep

thriving our perceptions like a sleeping pill

invading our minds from morning till night

distracting from thoughts calling through from within

Enough times repeated, it does become real

Reaching out for air above the thick haze

I will not be a part in your wheel!

While blowing, the smokescreen, takes over the sight

thinking in numbers, in never's enough

taking only prey to wounded to fight back

but you will be surprised!

Enough times repeated, it does become real

Reaching out for air above the thick haze

I will not eat your fruits of deceit!

I peel off the layers of your poison in me

I seek luminescence and I soak it all in

I'm well aware of your means of deception

while I try to set my mind free...

Free

Free 

Free

Directors:

-

Key Cast:

-

Writers:

-

Producers:

-

Other Credits:

Director, Camera, Editor // Songwriter, Guitar and Vocals: Andrea Lara; Song Recording, Mix and Mastering: Victor Bullok

Project Type:

Music Video

Genres:

-

Duration:

0:04:46

Country of Origin:

Germany

Completion Date:

2022-01-13

Language:

English

Soul Searching

The following film, Soul Searching, is an abstract audio-visual representation of commonalities and echoes I have found across studied texts, interviews and research undertaken for this project on the subject of the soul. I chose to anchor my research predominantly in my own western tradition and religious/spiritual strands of thought that resonate most with my own experiences and unconscious cultural paradigm. Through regular visits to the Alex Johnston Reference library, I developed focused research around concepts of the soul according to the western traditions of:

- Hermeticism

- Neoplatonic Philosophy 

- Rosicrucian Philosophy

- Transpersonal Psychology

- Theosophy

- Gnostic Texts 

- Alchemical Texts

- Jewish/Christian Kabbalah and Mysticism

- Ancient Egyptian Texts

These traditions survived either through sectarian branches of monotheistic practice (as with gnosticism and mysticism) or through practices directly outside of (and sometimes in opposition to) the canon of mainstream denomination. The use of language of these texts veil the meaning through subtle and abstract language forms. Some of these source materials purposely obscures the essential message so as to protect their pupils and to escape heretical accusations for its deviation from the cultural monotheistic dogma - however, in most traditions, adepts of the teaching schools are deliberately presented with analogies and shrouded messages, presented as gateways of knowledge, through personal engagement with the totality of Self. The ineffable is respected for its inherent qualities, by allowing its meaning to fall outside of the domination and restriction of language. Rather, it is found in the space between fixed language.

As such, gentler, less directive language, that is subtle and allows the individual to arrive at their own implicit meaning making, is used in an attempt to describe the indescribable. Without earthly form and beyond the reaches of knowing through ordinary means, the soul is understood through our internal resonance, through subtle personal gnosis - that is, knowledge beyond intellectual knowledge, an inner knowing; through contemplation and experience. This film endeavours to propose an abstract representation of the ineffable in motion, inviting the viewer to contemplate and tune into their own inner knowing.

For the purpose of this piece, I have set out to demonstrate the fluidity and dynamism of the soul, as well as its splicing with the representational facets we experience in our waking life; corporeality, matter, mind, consciousness, emotions - all properties through which we encounter the soul. These synergistic attributes are in symbiosis with the soul, both enveloped by it, and expressed within the function of its parts. Through the development and growth of individual parts, we grow the whole of our individual soul. Within the work I hope to infer the possibility of our individual soul as an expression of an anima mundi , the all, a universal soul, enveloping and expressed through individual parts.

A special thank you to interview contributors:

Gary Kidgell - Professional Esoteric Astrologer and Author 

Mike hall - Qigong & Tai Chi Consultant, Theosophical Society Chair

Marcus LeBroque - Kabbalist, Teacher

Father James Cadman - Exorcist, Catholic Priest

Luca McQuillan, David McLoone, Jamie L McKenzie & Charlene Morgan - Catholics

List of Notable Books:

The Way of Divine Union - Arthur Edward Waite

Reincarnation; A study of Forgotten Truth - E.D.Walker

Everyone's Book of the Dead - Tim Wyatt

Cycles of Eternity - Tim Wyatt

From Soul to Soul - John M Watkins

Mansions of the Soul; The Cosmic Conception - H. Spencer Lewis

Esoteric Psychology; The Seven Rays - Dr Douglas Baker

The Soul’s Imperative - Harold Tarn

The Philosophy of Witchcraft - J. Mitchell & Jn. Dickie

Witchcraft, Magic and Alchemy - Grillot de Givry

Egyptian Magic - S.S.D.D edited by W.W.Westcott

TheWorld Soul - H. Fielding Hall

Transpersonal Development - Roberto Assagioli

The Inner Journey; Pathways to the Higher Self - Gary Kidgell

The Lamp Relit - Vestigo

The Book of the Dead; Papyrus of Ani - E. A. Wallis Budge

Cosmic Consciousness - Richard Maurice Bucke

The Sevenfold Planes of Nature - Susan Bayliss (article)

Who Do You Think You Were - Robert Woolley (article)

Directors:

Dawn Eva Berry

Key Cast:

-

Writers:

Dawn Eva Berry

Producers:

Dawn Eva Berry

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Experimental

Genres:

-

Duration:

0:08:03

Country of Origin:

United Kingdom

Completion Date:

2022-10-26

Language:

-

Story of Godia

Hussein lives in his father's house, who used to put the house as a retirement home before he died in a poisoning accident with a number of elderly people with Hussein's daughter who was in the house by chance. Hussein lives in his father's house with his sick son who suffers from a disease that needs expensive treatment. The child watches things strange happening in the house

Directors:

Mouayed Zabtia

Key Cast:

Basma alatrach, Wasif alkowaldy, waheb kalahed

Writers:

Ibrahim Albishari

Producers:

Mouayed Zabtia

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Television, Web / New Media, Other

Genres:

-

Duration:

0:45:00

Country of Origin:

Libya

Completion Date:

2023-05-03

Language:

Arabic

Supper for the Dead Souls

“…The dead souls enter into homes at midnight, passing around the laden tables, departing afterwards satiated only by the aroma of the food. If, instead no dish has been prepared the dead leave accompanied by heavy sighing...” 

It is still alive in Sardinia the ancient habit of leaving served on the table, on the night between 1st and 2nd November, a supper for their own dead, consisting of a full meal characterized by sos macarrones de sos mortos (the macaroni of the dead).

Filmed in Orune, in central Sardinia, this documentary - with an observational approach - describes the preparation of the banquet and some connected rituals.

Directors:

Ignazio Figus

Key Cast:

Pasqua Goddi

Writers:

Ignazio Figus

Producers:

Istituto Superiore Regionale Etnografico

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Documentary, Short

Genres:

-

Duration:

0:16:00

Country of Origin:

Italy

Completion Date:

2017-09-15

Language:

Italian, Other

The Beast of Loch Ness

Aleister Crowley (The Wickedest Man in the World) was an English occultist, philosopher, ceremonial magician, poet, painter, novelist, and mountaineer. He founded the religion of Thelema, identifying himself as the prophet entrusted with guiding humanity into the 20th century. Crowley has remained a highly influential figure over Western esotericism and the counterculture of the 1960’s and continues to be considered a prophet in Thelema.

In 1899 Crowley purchased Boleskine House on the south bank of Loch Ness near the village of Foyers. The house is also famous for being owned by Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page who had “a great interest in the occult,” Page claimed “bad vibes” ran through the 18th Century property, where he maintained the head of an executed man - believed to be Lord Lovat who fought with the English during the 1745 uprising - could be heard rolling around the floor. In The Beast of Loch Ness, we tell the untold story that exists within the walls at Boleskine House. A story that is shadowed by the building’s pop-cultural modern-history. This film brings together a colourful group of well-known researchers from across the globe who together explore the history and mystery of Boleskine House, replacing timeworn narratives with new insights.

Directors:

Jim Brown

Key Cast:

Alec Westwood, April Watson

Writers:

Jim Brown, Ashley Cowie

Producers:

Jim Brown, Ashley Cowie, Chris Brown

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Documentary, Short

Genres:

-

Duration:

0:23:47

Country of Origin:

United Kingdom

Completion Date:

2023-06-01

Language:

English

The Echo

By 'sewing' together shots from archived films found in the Montenegrin Cinematheque, a story about the archetypal human is told. 

In the beginning was the Sacred Mystery (God) which manifested itself into the material universe and living beings. Humans were created 'in the likeness of God', with a divine spark in them, so that they might know this Mystery through the knowledge of their own selves and awareness of their surroundings. The perfect state of consciousness is unity the divine, be that inward or outward. The trials and tribulations of the ordinary world cause this unity to break, and humans find themselves attached to psychological and material idols. 

The hero of the film, a representation of humankind, realizing that he is not fulfilled with his life, sets on a journey. This journey is a symbolical representation of the stages of psycho-spiritual growth. After passing all the necessary 'alchemical' processes, the hero manages to return to the state of unity.

The film is keen on defending the idea that throughout all the customs, rites, art, myths, legends and stories of any community on earth, the same underlying truths pervade. Inspired by the works of Joseph Campbell, Christopher Vogler and Carl Jung, the 12 chapter base/structure of "the hero's journey", once filled and nuanced by the diverse folkloric, religious and mythological imagery found in the original archived films, and the editing of various (originally unrelated) shots into dream-like scenes, it becomes an expression of the idea that true unity is found in the celebration of our diversity. 

Directors:

Dario Haruni

Key Cast:

-

Writers:

Dario Haruni

Producers:

Albanian National Film Archive, Montenegrin Cinematheque, RECON Project

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Documentary, Experimental, Short, Other

Genres:

Docu-fiction, Repurposing of archival footage, Experimental, Spiritual, Mythological, Psychoanalytical

Duration:

0:40:32

Country of Origin:

Montenegro

Completion Date:

2022-09-17

Language:

Arabic, English, Montenegrin, Serbian

The Flight of the Siren

In 1375, the first woman accused of witchcraft in Italy was tried.

The fact happened in Reggio Emilia and her name was Gabrina degli Albeti.

Gabrina was a simple herb seller who cured the ailments of the body and soul with plants

but she was accused of being a witch.

She was found guilty, branded and had her tongue cut out to prevent her from

utter their curses.

Nowadays a researcher and anthropologist, Dr. Giorgio Greco, is commissioned by

a scholar of local history, Professor Francesco Bongiovanni, to find the Chalice which

it is said that the Chalice of the Albeti belonged to Gabrina.

The search will lead Giorgio Greco in contact with a disturbing mystery, an enigma must

be solved to find the Chalice and an ancient Pagan Goddess, Melusina watches over

affair.

Melusina is the Bicaudata Siren, which Christian syncretism replaced with the image of the

Madonna.

A secret sect, poisons, apparitions and murders to find the chalice with magical powers.

Clues and omens will lead Giorgio Greco to the Revelation and to the presence of the Great

Goddess in the mysterious Apennine Prehistoric Sanctuary of Ceriola.

Flight of the Siren

Directors:

Gian Luca Carretti

Key Cast:

Giuliano Brunazzi

Writers:

Gian Luca Carretti

Producers:

Gian Luca Carretti

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Feature

Genres:

-

Duration:

1:23:05

Country of Origin:

Italy

Completion Date:

2022-12-04

Language:

Italian

The Holy Archipelago

Solovetsky Monastery - from infinity to eternity.

The documentary searches for the true meanings of life, faith, hope and love. This is a large-scale narrative about the life of the Solovetsky monastery.

What is the spiritual life of a person? What is a religious tradition and what kind of role does it play in the modern world?

How does faith in God affect people's lives?

The Solovetsky Islands are a key point in the spiritual geography of Russia. These places are marked by spiritual, historical, cultural events that have left a deep mark in history and in people's memory. The Archipelago is located on the far outskirts of Russia. However, by the will of fate, it has become one of the most powerful symbols of the Russian spirit.

The documentary was filming on Solovki for 2 years. Step by step, the film crew went deep into the measured calm concentrated prayer life of the monastery. The audience will get the idea of the life and spiritual work of this place. The substantive part of the film are in-depth conversations with wise monks. Here we will find deep reflections and monologues on issues important in everyone's life. 

Understanding the importance of the topic, the monastery, represented by the abbot and the whole brotherhood, actively participated in the filming. The documentary included many unique shots, including the sacrament of tonsure. The content of the film is in harmony with the breathtaking cinematography. The way the camera captures the fantastic light and nature of Solovki islands is stunning. The film was shot in 6K format.

Directors:

Sergei Debizhev

Key Cast:

-

Writers:

Sergei Debizhev

Producers:

Natalia Debizheva, Michael Skigin, Vitaly Baranov

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Documentary

Genres:

-

Duration:

1:38:00

Country of Origin:

Russian Federation

Completion Date:

2022-05-24

Language:

Russian

The UFO's of Soesterberg

In the early morning of February 3, 1979, a mysterious object flew over Soesterberg Air Base. At least twelve soldiers witnessed this. Despite being in the middle of the cold war

this event has still remained unexplained. And that is not the only anomalous sighting in that specific part of the Netherlands...

Directors:

Bram Roza

Key Cast:

-

Writers:

-

Producers:

Bram Roza, Richard Raaphorst, Michiel ten Kleij, Maarten in ' t Hout

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Documentary

Genres:

-

Duration:

1:18:00

Country of Origin:

Netherlands

Completion Date:

2023-05-01

Language:

Dutch

Troubled Minds

Brothers Robert and Martin are a month away from their biggest yet contemporary art exhibition. To get creative juices flowing, Martin locks himself in a dark black 2 x 2-meter cube. Once out, his focus shifts and he decides to save the environment by finding Soviet Military chemical waste that was dropped in the Baltic Sea in the 90s.

But through a series of strange ideas and sleepless nights, both brothers lose control over their artwork and their brotherhood. 

Martins’ behavior at an alarming rate has become extravagant and tensions between the brothers escalate to a troubled state. 

To seek tranquility Martin escapes to the very edge of the world – Northern Saami Lapland. Robert is forced to take a trip to find his eldest but a bipolar and disordered brother.

On the return Martin is institutionalized and Robert takes over ‘Don Quixote's role to perform almost an art terror act at the Grand Opening.

Directors:

Raitis Abele, Lauris Abele

Key Cast:

Marcis Lacis, Toms Aunins, Daniela Vetra, Darta Danevica, Juris Zagars, Marija Skangale

Writers:

Raitis Abele, Lauris Abele, Zanda Zeidaka

Producers:

Roberts Vinovskis, Kristele Pudane, Raitis Abele

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Feature

Genres:

-

Duration:

1:46:00

Country of Origin:

Latvia

Completion Date:

2021-11-22

Language:

English, Latvian, Norwegian, Russian

Witch Hunt

Ignited by the appointment of a controversial political figure, witches across America cast spells to restore justice.

Directors:

Melissa James, Sarah Sharkey Pearce

Key Cast:

Pam Grossman, Beverly Smith, Amanda Yates-Garcia, Zhana Levitsky, Michael M. Hughes, Dakota Bracciale

Writers:

-

Producers:

Melissa James, Sarah Sharkey Pearce

Other Credits:

Cinematographer: Zebediah Smith; Editor: Sophy Romvari

Project Type:

Documentary, Short

Genres:

Pop Culture, Spirituality, Political, horror

Duration:

0:11:52

Country of Origin:

Canada

Completion Date:

2022-12-15

Language:

English

SPECIAL SCREENING

6th Anniversary Curators' Contribution

C. G. Jung on Alchemy - Documentary Series

Uncover the secrets of alchemy and psychology. Explore Carl Gustav Jung's private collection of rare books and his personal handwritten excerpts. Filmed in the home of C. G. Jung and Eranos, Switzerland. 

5 years of work and research: Fathom the knowledge of soul transmutation, the hidden story behind the Red Book, Gnostic wisdom, the individuation process, synchronicity, archetypes and much more.

Directors:

Sara Ferro, Chris Weil

Key Cast:

Françoise Bonardel, Paul Bishop, Murray Stein, Aksel Haaning, Alfred Ribi, Thomas Fischer

Writers:

Sara Ferro

Producers:

Sara Ferro, Chris Weil

Other Credits:

In association with The Foundation of the Works of C.G. Jung

Assistant:

Bettina Kaufmann

Project Type:

Documentary, Feature, Television

Genres:

Biopic, History, Special Interest

Duration:

Chapter 1: Earth (64 min)

Chapter 2: Air (57 min)

Chapter 3: Fire (55 min)

Chapter 4: Water (57 min)

Country of Origin:

Italy

Completion Date:

2023-10-26

Language:

English, French, German

MicroGnosing

A psychedelic agent discovers her Third Eye: a rollicking romp of antics between two secret agents colleagues. Only seemingly a low profile appointment. Half backroom and hail-fellow-well-met, half acutely yet inconspicuously earnest, almost solemn. After all it is matter of nothing less than briefing latest instructions concerning an untrained new approach to the missions, where the agents have to quickly master esoteric techniques for improving their insight abilities. And just for boosting up the speed of assimilating them, why not commencing with a micro-dose of a synthesized psychedelic substance? Under the supervision of Agent A, Agent Wundersaar will undergo a wildcat training workout not only getting the knack of it but having a transcendental experience too, perhaps still a bit shallow one, nevertheless one capable of giving the taste and the grasp of something infinite and sacred behind reality. After all, it's just a little miracle per se when micro-dosing becomes microGnosing!

Directors:

Sara Ferro, Chris Weil

Key Cast:

Wundersaar

Writers:

Sara Ferro, Chris Weil

Producers:

Sara Ferro, Chris Weil

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Experimental, Short

Genres:

Esoteric, Psychedelic

Duration:

00:14:00

Country of Origin:

Italy

Completion Date:

2019-09-19

Language:

English

The Ritman Library - Amsterdam

Once a treasure only for initiates, now available for everyone - the European underground heritage.

More than 23.000 books in the fields of: Alchemy, Hermetica, Cabala, Magic, Rosicrucianism, Mystic, Theosophy, Freemasonry, Pansophy and much more.

Watch legendary first editions, rare books and manuscripts like the famous Fama Fraternitatis, Corpus Hermeticum, Tabula Smaragdina, Atalanta Fugiens, Spaccio della bestia trionfante, Plontin Polyglot Bible and discover incredible works of authors like Basilius Valentinus, Marsilio Ficino, Johannes Reuchlin, Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim, Paracelsus, Giordano Bruno, Heinrich Khunrath, Michael Maier, Jacob Böhme, Lambspring, Robert Fludd, Daniel Mögling, Baruch Spinoza, Matthäus Merian and Stephan Michelspacher.

Directors:

Sara Ferro, Chris Weil

Key Cast:

Joost Ritman, Esther Ritman, Cis van Heertum, José Bouman, Marco Pasi

Writers:

-

Producers:

Sara Ferro, Chris Weil

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Documentary, Feature

Genres:

History, Esotericism, Mystery, Science

Duration:

01:30:00

Country of Origin:

Italy

Completion Date:

2017-07-17

Language:

English, German, Italian

Timor Panicus

What if the gateway to Agartha would have been relocated to the very center of a billion busy alpha city metropole where fashion and financial districts meet? Horripilation? Not at all. Perhaps when the Italian sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro envisioned his Solar Disc, an extraterrestrial intelligence was capable to align diverse terrestrial forces in order to bring them locating the magnum opus there where it actually is, concealing the very toran to that secret ruling world, in disguise among passer-bys quintessentially too blind for even just inquiring about the identity of the ruler of the Earth. Until a day, a female street performer declaims in the premises of the Big Disc the prologue by the French inquisitive mind of René Guénon to the narration about the King of the World. And the mechanism starts moving opening up the underground secrecy for everyman.

Directors:

Sara Ferro, Chris Weil

Key Cast:

-

Writers:

René Guénon

Producers:

Sara Ferro, Chris Weil

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Animation, Experimental, Short

Genres:

Sci-Fi, Underground, Esoteric, Occult, Moving Image

Duration:

00:03:00

Country of Origin:

Italy

Completion Date:

2020-01-03

Language:

English

Ugo Dossi - Art and Space

The figurative artist Ugo Dossi presents his works in the field of metaphysics, astronomy and the cosmos, hypnosis, telepathy, tarot, alchemy, collective subconscious, Franz Anton Mesmer and Wilhelm Reich, that has been already shown two times at the Documenta in Kassel and twice at the Biennale in Venice as well as in many other international exhibitions and museums.

The documentary offers exclusive impressions and views into the atelier of the Bavarian artist and explains the deeper meaning of his artworks. Moreover, we are going to talk about the system and history of the tarot and the method of automatic drawing designed by the artist himself. Furthermore, we will have a look at the questions of relative liberty and the own me in correlation to the whole view of the universe.

Directors:

Sara Ferro, Chris Weil

Key Cast:

Ugo Dossi

Writers:

-

Producers:

Sara Ferro, Chris Weil

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Documentary, Feature

Genres:

Art, Science, Biography

Duration:

00:60:00

Country of Origin:

Italy

Completion Date:

2017-10-03

Language:

German, English, Italian

WhimSeaCall - Nocturnal Sea

WhimSeaCall or a whimsical call from the sea, a rinvigourating allegorical swim in the alchemical archetype of the Red Sea otherwise hinting at the blackest dead sea of the unconscious performed on a black sun shore of an Italian coastline with harbour landscape in the background reminding the relation of the psyche to its environment. On that liminality the mare magnum is the canopy of the secreto secretorum once revealed to the great Alexander Magnum and tonight to a woman.

Directors:

Sara Ferro, Chris Weil

Key Cast:

Wundersaar

Writers:

-

Producers:

Sara Ferro, Chris Weil

Other Credits:

-

Project Type:

Experimental, Short

Genres:

Mystery, Supernatural, Alchemy, Esoteric, Occult, Ritual, Spiritual, Dance, Magic

Duration:

00:02:35

Country of Origin:

Italy

Completion Date:

2019-05-01

Language:

English

MULTIMEDIA

Virtual Reality

Zoroaster Superstar

Art installation in memory of Zoroaster: Friedrich Nietzsche, David Bowie (Ziggy Stardust), Freddie Mercury (Queen) and Il Casanova di Federico Fellini feat. Nino Rota.

From the epochal 'And Thus Spoke Zarathustra' onward, his descent from the mountain of the most inapt prophet has not been halted, actualizing at every turn, where pop icons like David Bowie aka Ziggy Stardust have projected the prophetic Nietzsche into the new millennium, unsuspected Zoroastrians like the missed but already more than real Sir, Queen of the Night and King of Queen, the rock star Freddie Mercury with his stage costumes and emblematic lyrics manifested arcane symbols of his faith unbeknownst to a worldwide audience, undisputed geniuses such as Federico Fellini and Nino Rota in their interpretation of Casanova, spasmodic master in all the most sublime arts and adept of the Magician of the Magi, created new worlds traversed by that magic that both each in his own exquisite way and at the same time bewitched and inspired. Worlds that the ARTOLDO art collective can now bring to life in a virtual reality, inviting you to travel through Bowie's universe, Mercury's spiritual stage and Casanova's fantastical and magical Venice to discover there not only holograms of these gigantic personalities, but also messages concealed in brands such as Tesla, Mazda, Zadig & Voltaire and other references to Zoroastrianism as the cultural matrix religion of so much of what exists.

Artists:

ARTOLDO – Sara Ferro & Chris Weil

Key Cast:

David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Casanova

Writers:

Sara Ferro

Developement:

RedMagicBlue

Other Credits:

Friedrich Nietzsche, Federico Fellini, Nino Rota

Project Type:

Virutal Reality, Installation, Web / New Media

Genres:

Music, Fanpic, Esoteric, Occult, Spiritual

Duration:

3 x 12 min

Country of Origin:

Italy

Completion Date:

2023-03-15

Language:

English