Who What Why Witches?

In this talk, we will discuss the motivations behind curating a full program about witches in cinema. Together with researcher Will Kranendonk, LAB111 programmer Tom Ooms and Paradiso curator Helena Castro, will investigate the cultural and societal implications of the witch archetype, and the reasons behind the current renewed interest in this figure. 

Expect an exploration of the multifaceted depictions of the witch archetype, as portrayed in the works in the Witch Way Now? film program, as well as various other cultural expressions. What does the witch symbolize? And what does it say about societal attitudes towards women? The witch is often associated with notions of otherness, darkness and evil, and has been used to reinforce patriarchal norms throughout history. However, the witch can also represent a subversion of the traditional roles assigned to women and an expression of empowerment.

Together with researcher Will Kranendonk and LAB111 programmer Tom Ooms, we will explore the diverse representation of witches in cinema, This discussion is part of the film program Witch Way Now.

About Will Kranendonk:
Will Kranendonk (1994) is a writer, poet, and screenwriter for both children and adults. Last year, her debut novel 'De Geliefden' was published by Van Oorschot Publishers, which received good reviews from the press. In 2022, her first children's book 'Camping De Grote Walvis' was also published by Billy Bones Publishers, which was praised for its humorous stories and diverse characters. Her previous work has appeared in publications such as Tirade, DW B, and Liegend Konijn. She has performed at many literary festivals and has won several awards for her poetry and stories, such as the Turing Poetry Competition. Currently, she is working on her next novel, for which she received a grant from the Dutch Foundation for Literature, writing another children's book, and pursuing a PhD on witches in children's literature at Tilburg University. In October 2023, the graphic novel 'Vis' will be published by Menlu Publishers, which she co-created with illustrator Irene Schiphorst.