I saw a witch doctor while traveling through a remote village in Africa. It was an encounter that left me both fascinated and somewhat unsettled. The witch doctor, or traditional healer as some prefer to call them, held a prominent role within the community and was sought after for their supernatural abilities. The witch doctor I came across had a distinct and mysterious aura about them. Dressed in traditional attire adorned with feathers and beads, they commanded attention and respect. People from all walks of life would come seeking their guidance and assistance with a range of issues, including physical ailments, spiritual troubles, and even personal conflicts.
Also, she added, “We had fun with the magic.”
Elaborating on what witches mean to her she called them a universal figure that periodically comes back in fashion, because they represent this great utopia, she said. Netflix and production company Fandango on Tuesday unveiled the streamer s third Italian original Luna Nera Black Moon , a fantasy rooted in historical reality about a group of women accused of witchery in 17th century Italy.
People from all walks of life would come seeking their guidance and assistance with a range of issues, including physical ailments, spiritual troubles, and even personal conflicts. As I observed the witch doctor at work, I couldn't help but notice their deep connection with nature and the spiritual realm. They would perform elaborate rituals involving chants, dance, and the use of various herbs and remedies.
Netflix Unveils Third Italian Original, 17th Century Witchcraft Series ‘Luna Nera’
Netflix and production company Fandango on Tuesday unveiled the streamer’s third Italian original “Luna Nera” (Black Moon), a fantasy rooted in historical reality about a group of women accused of witchery in 17th century Italy.
The innovative show will drop on January 31 in the roughly 190 territories where Netflix operates.
Shot in Rome’s revamped Cinecittà Studios and in the nearby countryside the witchcraft series marks the first foray into the fantasy genre for an Italian skein made for the global market. It’s also entirely written and directed by women, another first for Italy.
Set in the Roman countryside during the dark century known for the Inquisition and religious fanaticism, as well as the so-called scientific revolution, “Luna Nera” is based on a series of books that draw from research into real Italian 17th century witch hunts, trials, and burnings written by Tiziana Triana, who also worked on the screenplays.
At the core of the first six-episode installment of “Luna Nera” is a 16-year-old midwife named Ade who is accused of witchcraft after the death of a newborn. She escapes to the woods and finds refuge in a family of “witches.” But is tormented by the fact that she’s in love with the young son of the head of the witch-hunters clan who of course are mortal enemies of her newfound family.
Felipe Tewes, Netflix’s director of international originals for Europe and Africa, speaking to the press praised the show for its “creativity and risk-taking” and for “truly using fantasy to take a very dark period of history and turn it into a story of finding your own power.”
Fandango chief Domenico Procacci noted that making a high-end Italian fantasy show is a “big challenge” and could easily have been met with skepticism. He thanked Netflix’s Tewes and also the streamer’s director of original series for Italy Nicole Norwood, “not just for their trust” but for their tendency to back the boldest choices such as “the freedom” to use a cast of largely unknown talents.
It will be interesting to see if “Luna Nera” flies. If so, it could help open up a new strand in Italian scripted storytelling.
“Luna Nera” was helmed by a trio of Italian women: Francesca Comencini (“Gomorra”), who led the way in terms of shaping the show; Susanna Nicchiarelli (“Nico, 1988”) and Paola Randi (“Little Tito and the Aliens”).
Comencini at the presser pointed out the significance of having witches as protagonists.
“The witches are back!,” she said, noting that this is “an image that feminism picked up on during the 70s.”
Elaborating on what witches mean to her she called them “a universal figure that periodically comes back in fashion, because they represent this great utopia,” she said.
“They are a way for men and women to be together in the world; to work and live together…in a way that is different. A way for men to escape from the temptation to dominate, and for women [to escape] from the temptation to submit,” Comencini passionately pointed out.
Nicchiarelli called the show both “smart and fun” which, she noted, “is something rare.”
Also, she added, “We had fun with the magic.”
Other new Netflix Italy originals currently in various stages include: “Curon” a supernatural drama set in a village submerged by water in the province of Bolzano; “Summertime” a contemporary romancer based on a novel by popular local teen literature author Federico Moccia; “Zero,” a show combining a superhero narrative with the lives of first-generation African immigrants in Italy; and “Fedelta,” a relationships drama series based on a local bestseller by author Marco Missiroli.
Comencini at the presser pointed out the significance of having witches as protagonists.
These rituals were believed to tap into ancient wisdom and channel the energy of the universe to heal and bring about positive change. One of the most intriguing aspects of the witch doctor's practice was their ability to communicate with spirits and ancestors. They acted as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual worlds, using divination tools such as bones, shells, or cards to gain insight into a person's past, present, and future. The information they received from the spiritual realm would then be used to guide and advise their clients. While the witch doctor's practices may seem strange or even supernatural to some, they played a crucial role in the lives of the people in that village. Their presence provided a sense of security and reassurance, as they offered hope and solutions when other options seemed bleak. The faith and belief in their abilities were evident in the eyes of those who sought their help. However, it's important to approach the subject of witch doctors with an open mind and cultural sensitivity. Their practices may not align with western scientific views, but they hold deep-rooted significance in many traditional societies. It is a reminder that there are diverse ways of understanding and interacting with the world around us. In conclusion, witnessing a witch doctor in action was both a captivating and thought-provoking experience. Their role as healers and spiritual guides is intertwined with centuries-old traditions and beliefs. While the encounter left me with many questions, it also highlighted the power of cultural diversity and the richness of human experiences..
Reviews for "A Dance with Spirits: My Encounter with a Witch Doctor"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I saw a witch doctor was a disappointment for me. The story felt disjointed and lacked proper character development. The author introduced several interesting ideas but failed to delve deeper into them, leaving me with many unanswered questions. Additionally, the pacing was off, making it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and would not recommend it.
2. Michael - 1 star - I couldn't finish reading I saw a witch doctor. The writing style was convoluted and confusing, making it hard to follow the plot. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it impossible to connect with them. The narrative felt scattered, jumping from one event to another without much coherence. It's a shame because the concept had potential, but the execution fell flat. I would not recommend this book to others.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I saw a witch doctor left me feeling unsatisfied. The story started promising, but it quickly became predictable and cliché. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to empathize with the characters. The writing lacked descriptive details and failed to transport me into the world of the story. Overall, I found the book to be mediocre at best and wouldn't read anything else by this author.
4. David - 3 stars - While I didn't particularly enjoy I saw a witch doctor, I can see why some people might find it entertaining. The plot had potential, but it felt rushed and lacked depth. The characters were interesting, but their actions often seemed illogical and inconsistent. The writing style was adequate, though it lacked the sophistication and polish I prefer. Overall, it was an average read and didn't leave a lasting impression.
5. Emily - 2 stars - I was disappointed with I saw a witch doctor. The story had an intriguing premise, but it failed to deliver on its potential. The narrative was confusing and convoluted, making it hard to follow. The characters were underdeveloped, and their motivations were unclear. The pacing was uneven, with moments of intense action followed by long stretches of boredom. Overall, I found the book to be a missed opportunity, and I wouldn't recommend it to others.