The Spirit Level
World Premiere
Taiki Sakpisit Thailand 2023 21 min PG13 (Some Disturbing Scenes)
In this mysterious film, a shaman in northeastern Thailand seems possessed by the spirits of dissidents who suffered a violent death.
Set in northeastern Thailand around the Mekong river, this film evokes the syncretic beliefs and sociopolitical turbulence of the region. The Mekong’s origins are associated with the divine Naga, worshipped in temples and underground caverns with a mix of Buddhist and animistic practices. As languorous images of the waters give way to the primal energies of painted temple murals, a shaman conducts an intense seance.
Juxtaposing black-and-white footage with startling colour imagery, the film’s haunting sound design and editing effects create a foreboding atmosphere. The shaman’s spirit possession alludes to the deaths of three activists whose violently mutilated bodies were found in the Mekong in 2019.
Please note this film will be screening as part of a Double Bill with The Periphery of the Base. The overall rating is NC16.
Q&A with Filmmaker(s)
7 Dec, Sat 4:00PM / 74 min
Filmgarde Kallang, Hall 2
AT THE FEST!
All screenings are on a free seating, first-come, first-served basis. We kindly ask all ticket holders to arrive on time. Latecomers may not be guaranteed entry.
RUSH QUEUE:
For last-minute attendees, good news. Our Rush Queue is back this year!
The Spirit Level
Taiki Sakpisit
Thailand
2023
No dialogue
21 min
PG13 (Some Disturbing Scenes)
World Premiere
Taiki Sakpisit
Taiki Sakpisit explores Thailand’s tumultuous political and social histories through experimental films and video installations. His feature debut, The Edge of Daybreak (2021), won the FIPRESCI award at Rotterdam and was screened at the 32nd SGIFF. The Spirit Level was first exhibited as a two-channel installation at the 14th Gwangju Biennale.
Taiki Sakpisit
The Spirit Level & The Periphery of the Base
