BELTANE

by Christopher STEEL
1997 / 16mm / b&w / sound / 1S / 6' 00




Edinburgh’s Beltane fire festival is the spectacular recreation of a pagan celebration. Crowds of thousands watch the procession around Calton Hill, in the heart of the city, held annually on the eve of May Day. I didn’t get enough material at the first attempt so I went back the following year when I was more competent with the camera and less shy. It is a simplified, partial record of the event, squeezed into a 6 minute impression. This reworking echoes the reimagination of the ancient ritual. The film is a reconstruction of a reconstruction.

1 PRINT IN DISTRIBUTION


distribution format 16mm
screen 1,37 - Standard (single screen)
speed 24 fps
sound optical sound
rental fee 29,00 €