The VVitch: A New-England Folktale + introduction

A devout Puritan family in 1630s New England are exiled from their village, and struggle to survive in their new home situated at the edge of a mysterious forest. The sinister, witching forces in the wilderness emerge silently to terrorize them, first by kidnapping the youngest of their five children. As their life-sustaining crops fail, the clan fall victim to paranoia and fear as they begin to turn on one another, eventually suspecting teenage daughter Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy) of witchcraft. With the vast majority of the dialogue culled from primary sources from the time period, Robert Eggers’ debut feature The Witch is a terrifying glimpse into a family descending into madness.  Introduction: 

Introduction:
This screening will be introduced by historian Alexander Bartels. He will delve into the symbolism of the goat in relation to witchcraft and the art of Francisco Goya, whose dark and haunting paintings often featured witches and other supernatural creatures. Exploring the ways in which the goat has been used in art and literature as a symbol of the occult and the demonic, and how this imagery has been linked to the persecution of women accused of witchcraft throughout history. 

About Alexander Bartels: 
Alexander Bartels (1993) is an Amsterdam-based historian and artist with a peculiar interest for high strangeness and macabre affairs. Together with Phil van Dulm, he forms the collective Wanderwelle. In a brief period, they became known for their experimental albums and live performances ranging from art galleries to Koninklijk Theater Carré. On the 3rd of June their debut film The Four Nightmares, and an accompanying video installation, will premiere at the Eye Filmmuseum.  

For the film Häxan, Alexander Bartels and Phil Dulm (aka Wanderwelle) will also perform a live score during the screening. Tickets for this viewing with live score are available here.