Witchcraft, zealotry and sex in a Latvian horror animation that feels like a psychedelic fever dream.
Livonia, the 17th Century. Residents of a small village sense something supernatural is coming their way. The local priest accuses a woman of witchcraft, but during the trial an elderly man comes forward who claims to be a werewolf. This news causes major unrest and will change the village forever.
With the Oscar for Flow and this strong debut by brothers Raitis and Lauris Abele – sent in for the upcoming Oscars! – Latvian animation is blooming. But don’t expect any cuddly animals in Dog of God, a psychedelic and insane fever dream with large quantities of blood and gore. The rotoscope animation creates recognisable characters who inhabit a fantastical and gruesome world. The werewolf isn’t like the ones you know from Western cinema, but more akin to the shamans of Baltic folklore. Dog of God’s mix of religious fanatism, superstition, local legends and (lots of) sex makes it a unique film experience.
Directors Lauris and Raitis Ābele will be present for a Q&A on Wednesday, November 5th.
