DIVINE HORSEMEN: THE LIVING GODS OF HAITI (Archival Assembly #3)

In the organizer's words:

18:30h, introduction: Ute Holl, with recordings from the LP "Maya Deren - Voices of Haiti", at Arsenal Cinema

DIVINE HORSEMEN: THE LIVING GODS OF HAITI Maya Deren USA 1947-51/1977 16 mm without dialog 50'

A chronicle of Maya Deren's travels to Haiti and a cinematic exploration of Haitian dance. The footage of various ritual acts and customs was shot between 1947 and 1951 and was combined into this film by Teiji & Cherel Ito after Maya Deren's death. The title refers to the belief that the deity Loa "mounts" the dancers like a rider mounts a horse; the dancers' bodies perform almost superhuman movements as a result of this possession. A newly produced 16 mm print will be presented. Film scholar Ute Holl will introduce the film, accompanied by recordings from the LP Maya Deren - Voices of Haiti.