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 wind - 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 and 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 apruptly as they emerged. Then arrives the rain.
Dokkaebi is sometimes exhibited alongside Burial of this Order and Sorrow Waters this Land.
Concept & Editing: Jane Jin Kaisen. Cinematography: Guston Sondin-Kung / Daniel Zox. Line Producer: Soyoung Kwon. Dokkaebi: Holly Yu, Sungeun Lee. Dokkaebi masks: by shaman Seo Sunshil. Assistant Director: Grace Sungeun Kim. Artistic Director: Abhijan Toto. Music: Lior Suliman. Colorist: Edoardo Rebecchi. With support from: The Danish Artistic Research Funding Programme, Ministry of Culture