The White Reindeer (1952)

Overview

In this horror film based on a Finnish folk tale, newly married Pirita becomes frustrated and lonely as husband Aslak, a reindeer herder, spends long periods of time away from home. Desperate for affection, she visits a shaman, who offers her a potion making her irresistible to men. She gets her wish, but at a terrible cost.

Screening Information

The White Reindeer (1952)
Director: Erik Blomberg
Finland
Narrative | 74 minutes
Finnish with English and Arabic subtitles

The Autumn Film Series, taking place on 11 and 18 November 2022, explores the practice and cultural relevance of witchcraft in three parts of the world: the United States, Cameroon and Finland. Although films about witches are seen by many as mere escapism, these narratives not only entertain but also raise important issues around gender and power.

Details about the full programme can be found here.

The White Reindeer begins at 8:00 pm on Friday, 18 November in the open-air Mirage City Cinema, Al Mureijah Square.