Haxan – Story of Witchcraft

Sat 30th Nov
8:00PM
ARK Cliftonville
SOLD OUT

Häxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages (1922) is a Swedish-Danish silent film directed by Benjamin Christensen that blends documentary and dramatized scenes to explore the history and myths surrounding witchcraft.

Inspired by the 15th-century guide Malleus Maleficarum, the film traces the rise of superstition and the persecution of alleged witches in the Middle Ages, showing how ignorance and fear often led to hysteria and brutal witch hunts.

Christensen uses a mix of historical analysis and eerie re-enactments to depict the accusations of witchcraft, with a focus on how conditions like mental illness were often misunderstood and linked to supernatural causes. With its vivid portrayals of torture, occult rituals, and the Inquisition, the film was highly controversial, facing censorship and bans in various countries. Despite this, Häxan is now recognised as a groundbreaking work that paved the way for modern documentary and horror cinema.​

Doors from 7.30PM

Start time 8.30PM

Live scored by local musicians AUTOHAUs.

AUTOHAUs are an instrumental four piece band based in Margate on the Kent coast

“AUTOHAUs make fractal music; layering fuzzed-out noise and electronic drones, motorik percussion and hypnotic bass lines… a must for fans of Spacemen3, The Cosmic Dead, Ash Ra Tempel and Neu!”

Plus! Tarot Reading by Yvette

Yvette Farmer is a MFF Programme Advisor and a professional Tarot Reader who will channel your ancestors and pass on their messages to help you heal, grow and achieve your goals. Find out more at https://www.yvettesintuition.com

Mini Tarot reading for £5 donation to MFF – 10 minute card reading to receive your ancestors guidance on one or two areas of your life or to answer a burning question you have. Please arrive early for your reading, as time is limited.
Film details
Country: Denmark
Language: Swedish
Genre: Documentary/Horror
Cast: Benjamin Christensen as the Devil Ella la Cour as Sorceress Karna Emmy Schønfeld as Karna's Assistant Kate Fabian as the Old Maid Oscar Stribolt as Fat Monk
Running time: 1hr 45mins
Year: 1922
Ticket prices

FEATURES:  £8 adv / £10 door

SHORTS: £5 adv / £6 door

LIVE SCORE: £12 adv / £15 door

Low income tickets available on all events. Please contact us for free carers tickets.

We want to know your thoughts

Share your feedback

Let us know what you thought of the festival and help us shape Margate Film Festival 2024