The overlooked witch is a concept that highlights the marginalized and often forgotten role of witches in history and literature. While popular culture often portrays witches as powerful and sinister figures, there is a deeper narrative that is often overlooked. In Ancient times, witches were seen as wise women who possessed and shared their knowledge of herbs, healing, and rituals. They were revered and sought after for their abilities to heal and provide spiritual guidance. However, as societies evolved, witches started to be persecuted for their unconventional practices and beliefs. During the Salem witch trials in the late 17th century, the portrayal of witches shifted, painting them as evil and dangerous beings.
This is the 2nd in the ‘Forgotten Witch’ series, where I focus on animating poems and bringing to life the forgotten stories of real women convicted of Witchcraft. Meg Shelton was a woman from Lancashire in the 1600’s and was thought to be a witch – this animated poem tries to recreate her story and brings her to the forefront of peoples mind reminding us these were real events.
Meg Shelton was a woman from Lancashire in the 1600 s and was thought to be a witch this animated poem tries to recreate her story and brings her to the forefront of peoples mind reminding us these were real events. In movies, depictions of witches have historically engaged in tropes that cast them as evil, destructive, old, ugly, and sexually deviant, among other negative qualities.
During the Salem witch trials in the late 17th century, the portrayal of witches shifted, painting them as evil and dangerous beings. This negative perception has persisted in popular culture, reinforcing a stereotype that witches are wicked and malevolent. However, this overlooks the long history of witches being the victims of oppression and persecution.
The overlooked witch
Dir: Catherine Noone
What is the film about?
Animated short following the story of the Prussian woman convicted of arson and witchcraft in 1811, Barbara Zdunk. Created using 2D and 3D techniques as well as hand drawn and digital illustration.
What influenced it?
My influences have always been the old surreal films, the dream like quality of animations like ‘Inspiration’ by Karel Zemon to the impeccable detail and quality of the Betty Boop black and white animations. However, I have also always been a big fan of paintings, in particular the old masters and the Pre-Raphaelites. I really wanted to test out these different styles, like realism mixed with the surreal and bring it into the 21st Century with the different techniques I tried.
A little background information.
I really wanted this film to become a memorial for Barbara Zdunk. It is part of a larger project looking back on persecuted and forgotten women in history, and in particular, those accused of witchcraft and who were not given a peaceful and respectable end or resting place. This film is NOT to be seen as yet another film about witches, a topic which is ever increasingly popular today, especially in a fashionable, cool way. It is, however, meant to act as an educational piece, where we can show our respects and remember that although the craze of Witch Hunts across Europe was so long ago, it was also very real – which I wanted to really show in this film. I want the audience to feel as though they are in the life of Barbara Zdunk.
How was the film made?
For this film, I used a large variety of techniques. Taking inspiration from realism and my love for pencil, detailed drawings, all of the backgrounds in this animation are hand drawn. For the characters in this piece I created 3D models made of masking tape to create texture, and hand made small outfits for them also. The faces on the characters are digitally animated over the top of the models, tracking human features on the top to bring my models to life and to really give them the sense of a human feel. To bring these techniques all together, I edited them in After Effects, adding 3D camera techniques to add movement and depth, but not too much to make it confusing for the viewer, Simple movement for the viewer to focus on the poem and the words spoken.
Moreover, the overlooked witch extends beyond history into literature and art. In many fairy tales, witches are portrayed as antagonists, seeking to harm the main characters. This simplistic representation denies the complexity and depth of the witch character. Witches can often symbolize empowered women challenging societal norms or represent ancient wisdom and connection to nature. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in witches, particularly in feminist and occult communities. This has sparked a reevaluation of the overlooked witch, reclaiming her as a symbol of empowerment and resistance against oppressive systems. It is crucial to acknowledge the overlooked witch and recognize the diversity and complexity of this archetype. By doing so, we can challenge stereotypes and cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for the historical and cultural significance of witches..
Reviews for "Women of Power: Celebrating the Legacy of the Overlooked Witch"
1. John - 2 stars:
"The Overlooked Witch was a disappointment for me. The plot was extremely predictable, with cliché characters and a lack of depth. The writing felt rushed and unpolished, also lacking in descriptive language. The dialogue was unrealistic and cringe-worthy, making it difficult to connect with the characters or become invested in the story. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and would not recommend it."
2. Sarah - 1 star:
"I regret spending my time reading The Overlooked Witch. The story had so much potential, but it fell flat on every level. The pacing was off, dragging in some parts and rushing through others without proper development. The protagonist lacked any real growth or complexity, and the dialogue felt forced and unrealistic. The world-building was inconsistent and left me feeling confused. This book was a major letdown and I would not recommend it to anyone."
3. Emily - 2 stars:
"The Overlooked Witch failed to live up to its promising premise. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, with their actions often feeling arbitrary and inconsistent. The writing style was dull and repetitive, lacking any originality or flair. The romance in the story felt forced and lacked chemistry, making it hard to root for the characters as a reader. Ultimately, the book was a disappointment and I would not recommend it to those looking for a captivating and well-developed witchy tale."
4. Mike - 2 stars:
"The Overlooked Witch was a miss for me. The plot was predictable and lacked any real surprises or twists. The characters were forgettable and lacked any depth or growth. The writing was average at best, with clunky exposition and a lack of attention to detail. The pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. Overall, this book did not live up to my expectations and I would not recommend it to others."