DOKKAEBI, 2024
Single channel film. 4K. Color. Stereo sound. Duration: 3:45 min.
Dokkaebi are nature spirits or deities in possession of extraordinary powers to interact with humans, sometimes playing tricks on them, sometimes coming to their aid. They appear in certain shamanic rituals in Jeju Island. Moving with the forces of nature – such as the rain and the fog - they are able to assume any form. It is said that they multiply when they disperse and that humans need to appease them for good fortune and to drive away evil spirits.
The video Dokkaebi is filmed in an abandoned resort in Jeju Island. Little remains of its former glamour. Instead the ruin is now adorned by vibrant vines, moss, and plants. Dokkaebi deities enter the space and move about to the hollow sound of the building, only to dissipate as abruptly as they emerged. Then arrives the rain.
Dokkaebi is sometimes exhibited alongside Burial of this Order and Sorrow Waters this Land.
Dokkaebi trailer
Concept & Editing: Jane Jin Kaisen. Cinematography: Guston Sondin-Kung / Daniel Zox. Line Producer: Soyoung Kwon. Dokkaebi: Holly Yu, Jeijin Kim. Dokkaebi masks: Seo Sunshil. Assistant Director: Grace Sungeun Kim. Music: Lior Suliman. Colorist: Edoardo Rebecchi. Sound Engineer: Yoram Vazan. With support from: The Danish Artistic Research Funding Programme, Ministry of Culture.