The anticipation is palpable as the 6th edition of the Hermetic International Film Festival, curated under the discerning eye of Festival Director Sara Ferro and Technical Director Chris Weil, promises a captivating journey into the realms of mysticism, spirituality, and the unexplored corners of the human psyche. Scheduled for December 14–16, 2023, this cinematic spectacle brings together 33 thought-provoking films that span genres, cultures, and dimensions.
Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the realms of cinema as a diverse array of films prepares to captivate audiences with tales as unique as the directors behind them. From experimental animations to thought-provoking documentaries and surreal narratives, these films promise to weave a rich tapestry of imagination, philosophy, and cultural exploration.
The odyssey begins with A Sheep, At Last! by Benjamin Evan Williams, an experimental marvel that delves into the intricate dance between sleep, decay, and our connection to the earth through mesmerizing stop-motion animation. As the ethereal landscapes unfold, the transition to Alchemy: Pathway to Profound Powers is seamless, a documentary by Sharon Ann Rowland that invites viewers to unravel the historical secrets of alchemy. Beyond mere historical exploration, it posits alchemy as a transformative force for personal and global change.
The journey takes an unexpected turn with Alegrías riojanas by Velasco Broca, a surreal plunge into purgatory following a fatal accident. Grotesque creatures and otherworldly landscapes challenge our perceptions, setting the stage for the visual exploration in Beyond the Speed of Life by Grant McPhee. Inspired by early music video aesthetics, McPhee’s work reflects on the underground scene, providing a nostalgic bridge to the past.
As the narrative unfolds, we encounter Black Tea by Laura Mcquay, a tale of a Victorian widow’s mystical spell to reunite with lost love. This seamlessly transitions into Death of Mandanin by Yucan Ye, a surreal exploration of modern devices’ impact on society, drawing from biblical and cultural influences. The journey then takes a mystical turn with First Hermanubis: Initiation by Michael Alexander Morris, the inaugural chapter in a series exploring hybridized identities, magic, and the occult.
The ethereal notes continue in Ghost Song by Joseph Keckler and M. Sharkey, where a narrator recounts a mysterious and transformative encounter in a remote location. This sets the stage for Lorenzo Leucio Domenico Incardona’s Gli orrori della prostrazione di Giacomo Chernini.
The tempo shifts with Jonah Steeman’s HEART. HEAVEN. HORSE. HELL, a meditation on the human struggle portrayed through a chaotic dance of opposites. Kris Fleerackers’ IDOL follows suit, a live-action puppet short film delving into contemporary issues like objectification, media culture, and social withdrawal through the lens of the Pygmalion story.
The cinematic journey then leaps to ancient Indian fables in Pavitra Verma’s Ipsa, set in the Himalayan Foothills, exploring themes of neglect, infertility, and divine intervention. The transition into Ahmet Tolga Ayıklar’s Közüngü is seamless, a documentary unveiling the mirrors worn by kam in Turkish hunter-gatherer communities.
Ellen Fiske’s Leaving Jesus shifts the narrative to a documentary about former Christian fundamentalists seeking liberation from their communities, questioning their beliefs and societal expectations. This introspective exploration sets the stage for Jim Doran’s Magus Incognito, a 77-second animation inspired by The Kybalion and ancient Hermetic philosophy.
The journey continues with Andrea Vacca’s Maimulu, a short film depicting a Nuragic warrior’s journey after a terrifying vision of danger from the sea. Stefano Zait Oliva’s METAMORPHOSIS then plunges into a gripping narrative of familial captivity, as the eldest daughter finds the strength to break free.
A dark fantasy music video, MOANA — Immortal, featuring a wild heroine navigating a post-apocalyptic world, introducing surreal and fantastical elements. Douglas Kip Beechwood’s Mystic Maya, Journey of Initiation seamlessly connects ancient Maya wisdom with other esoteric traditions in a visually stunning and spiritually enriching cinematic exploration.
The narrative takes a contemplative turn with Fabricio Estevam Mira’s No More, depicting a man’s escape from societal expectations and religious obligations. This provides a perfect segue into OR 119 by Peggy Ahwesh and Jacqueline Goss, a theoretical musical exploring scientist Wilhelm Reich’s life and work.
Smokescreen by Andrea Lara leads the audience into abstract landscapes inspired by the Dreamachine, exploring the resonance of the planet and brain’s alpha waves. Dawn Eva Berry’s Soul Searching follows, offering an abstract audio-visual representation of commonalities found in various religious and spiritual traditions regarding the soul.
Mouayed Zabtia’s Story of Godia unfolds a tale of intrigue and magic as Hussein searches for a magical chalice with his sick son, involving mysterious events and ancient Pagan Goddesses. Ignazio Figus’s documentary, Supper for the Dead Souls, then depicts the ancient Sardinian tradition of leaving a supper for the dead on November 1st-2nd.
Jim Brown’s The Beast of Loch Ness explores the history and mystery of Boleskine House, once owned by Aleister Crowley, with colorful researchers investigating its untold story. Dario Haruni’s The Echo sews together archived shots, telling the story of the archetypal human’s journey, inspired by the Hero’s Journey concept.
Gian Luca Carretti’s The Flight of the Siren, set in 1375, follows the story of Gabrina degli Albeti, accused of witchcraft, and a researcher’s quest to find a magical chalice, promising a historical and mystical adventure. Sergei Debizhev’s documentary, The Holy Archipelago, explores the life and spiritual significance of the Solovetsky Monastery, touching on topics of faith, hope, and love.
Bram Roza’s The UFO’s of Soesterberg investigates mysterious UFO sightings over Soesterberg Air Base in 1979, featuring firsthand accounts from witnesses. Directors Raitis Abele and Lauris Abele’s Troubled Minds then follows brothers preparing for a contemporary art exhibition, with one brother’s eccentric behavior leading to tensions and a troubled state.
Melissa James and Sarah Sharkey Pearce bring the cinematic odyssey to a spellbinding close with Witch Hunt, as witches across America cast spells to restore justice in response to a controversial political figure’s appointment.
In addition to the competition, this year’s edition includes a Special Screening 6th Anniversary Curators’ Contribution featuring not only a world premiere, but much more.
As all these films prepare to grace the screens, audiences are invited to a cinematic odyssey that transcends traditional boundaries, offering a diverse and enriching tapestry of human imagination and creativity. Brace yourselves for an unforgettable journey into the boundless realms of storytelling and visual artistry, where each frame promises to be a revelation of the extraordinary.
More infos: Official website
