Christian Farrell: Cinema Mysteriosa - Alchemy, Magic, and Film

Display Schedule

Subject guarantor:

Jitka HEJTMANOVÁ

Name of lecturer(s):

Jitka HEJTMANOVÁ

Learning outcomes of the course unit:

-

Mode of study:

Module (in Prague and in Cesky Krumlov)

Prerequisites and co-requisites:

None

Course contents:

In this intensive, multi-disciplinary course we will explore the hermetic arts of alchemy and magic and their reflections and refractions in the art of cinema. Through viewing and discussing a range of alchemically and magically resonant moving-image works, and making our own 'laboratory' investigations into the elements of cinema, we will combine theory and practice to reveal an alchemical approach to art-making in which transformations occur through an imaginative participation with matter. Trajectories of inquiry will include: tracing the entwined histories of alchemy, natural magic, and cinema; delving into the arcane teachings of quasi-mythical figures Hermes Trismegistus and Christian Rosencreutz; a survey of Mala Strana's hermetic house signs; contemplative experiments; occult histories and supernatural legends of Prague and Cesky Krumlov; and explorations of both 'direct filmmaking' and 'expanded cinema' where film emulsions and the moment of projection become sites of transmutation. Our investigations into the intersections of alchemy, magic, and cinema will be illuminated by a selection of short experimental films and excerpts from feature films and documentaries including works by Georges Melies, Stan Brakhage, Susan Derges, Jennifer Reeves, Jurgen Reble, silt, Kerry Laitala, Jan Svankmajer, Quay Brothers, David Leburn, Kennith Anger, Harry Smith, Carl Dreyer, and Benjamin Christensen.

Using moving pictures to shed light upon 'the secret arts', and hermetic philosophy and methodology as keys to unlock the deeper meanings of films, we shall explore alchemy and magic by way of cinema and cinema by way of alchemy and magic.

The first evening of our module will take place in Prague and will include a night tour of some of the city?s hermetic landmarks. The following morning we will journey to Cesky Krumlov, the second magical capital of Bohemia, where we will spend two days exploring the town?s esoteric and exoteric histories while continuing our investigation into magical and alchemical cinema.

Recommended or required reading:

None

Assessment methods and criteria:

100% attendance and 100% participation.

Course web page:

Note:

House Hostel is booked for the night of October 30.

The times of the schedule are rough, everything will be specified with Christian.

Schedule for winter semester 2015/2016:

Date	Day	Time	Tutor	Location	Notes	No. of paralel
29.10.2015		18:00–22:00	Jitka HEJTMANOVÁ	Učebna 3 Lažanský palác	In English. Thursday at FAMU from 6 pm.	paralelka 1
30.10.2015		08:00–20:00	Jitka HEJTMANOVÁ		Friday in Český Krumlov	paralelka 1
31.10.2015		09:00–15:00	Jitka HEJTMANOVÁ		Saturday in Český Krumlov and return to Prague	paralelka 1

Schedule for summer semester 2015/2016:

The schedule has not yet been prepared

The subject is a part of the following study plans: