The Witch Hunt (Forfølgelsen)

Description

«At the beginning of the 17th century, Eli, a farmer and weaver, returns to her hometown. Living freely and independently from her own goat farming, she does not hide her love for Aslak, a farmhand. Gradually, she attracts the envy of the villagers. They begin to attribute supernatural powers and occult knowledge to her (…). A brilliantly staged witch hunt, awarded in Venice.» (Malavida Films) «The Witch Hunt is Anja Breien's adaptation of her own short film from the 1960s. The cinematography by her long-time collaborator Erling Thurmann-Andersen reveals the psyche of Breien's protagonist in the beautiful landscapes of the Norwegian west coast, inspired by Ingmar Bergman. With cold, oppressively long shots, the film examines how women are isolated in a patriarchate (…). Today, the film is considered a cult work among lovers of folklore and witch figures – themes that are currently experiencing a resurgence in horror films and which Breien already addressed from a feminist-deconstructivist perspective in 1981.» (Agenda Urbana Valencia, 11.4.2026) Contributors and additional information: Director: Anja Breien Screenplay: Anja Breien Cinematography: Erling Thurmann-Andersen Music: Arne Nordheim Editing: Lars Hagström Cast: Lil Terselius (Eli Laupstad), Bjørn Skagestad (Aslak Gimra), Anita Björk (Ingeborg Eriksdotter Jaatun), Erik Mørk (Henrik Ravn), Ella Hval (Guri), Mona Jacobsen (Maren), Espen Skjønberg (Kristoffer Klomber), Eilif Armand (Rasmus Knag), Jan Hårstad (Njell Asserson), Lars Andreas Larssen (Glaser), Cay Kristiansen (Bolle), Jens Okking (Blomme), Jorunn Kjellsby (Dordi), Häge Juve (Sigrid), Lothar Lindtner (Asser)