FILMS

The ErlKing - Altar for Shiva

a film by Bettina WitteVeen

2010, HD Video, Loop 36min58sec

That wind in the alder trees. These storm binding branches. Those windswept arms. Was that treetop splitted? And suddenly that pulsing red...

Goethe’s lyric “Der Erlkönig” is the departure point for Bettina WitteVeen’s poetic and atmospheric short film. The film unfolds a paysage moralisé of historic, philosophical and spiritual messages held firmly together at the roots by the allegorical graft WitteVeen made between “Der Erlkönig” and the narrative of Hindu God Shiva, the Cosmic Dancer and Lord of Destruction, purifier of Karma and deity of both Agni (Fire) and Indra (Sleep).

The film was nominated for the “Prize of New Writings“ and „The Discovery Award“ at the Cutlog Paris - Artist Film Festival in 2013.