Film screening with Veten film club
Isaiah Saxon's debut feature, The Legend of Ochi, is an old-school adventure that will appeal to adults and children alike. In an age of increasingly AI and digital effects, it's incredibly refreshing to see a film that uses all the best analog tricks to create an aesthetic universe all its own.
The film is set in the fictional island kingdom of Carpathia, with scenery based on the Carpathian mountain range, and filmed in Transylvania. Over 200 matte paintings were created to create the magical landscapes, which give the film a very unique feel. And to bring the film's mythical creature, the Ochiene, to life, the filmmakers used both animatronics and humans in ape costumes.
The fairytale-like aesthetic seems to be inspired by a combination of Kittelsen's paintings, mixed with 70s and 80s Eastern Europe. You get the feeling of a world that is similar to ours, but still something a little different.
Director Isaiah Saxon has previously made music videos for Björk and Grizzly Bear. There is a clear legacy of directors like Spike Jonze and Michel Gondry, and his past as a music video director places him in the same tradition.
Full of visual creativity, and reflections on man's relationship with nature and the balance between the feminine and masculine forces within us, The Legend of Ochi is a film to be both moved and delighted by.
Age limit: 12 years
Running time: 1 hour 35 minutes.
Original Title: The Legend of Ochi
Language: English with Norwegian subtitles
Director: Isaiah Saxon
Actors: Willem Dafoe, Finn Wolfhard, Emily Watson, Helena Zengel
Screenplay: Isaiah Saxon
Nationality: United States
Year of production: 2025
To attend film screenings you must be a member of the film club.
About Veten film club:
Veten Film Club is located on Hamarøy in Nordland and their regular film screenings take place in the Adventure Hall here at The Hamsun Centre .
Anyone can become a member of the film club. Membership costs NOK 50 for those between 0 and 20 years of age, and NOK 100 for those 20 years of age or older. Membership lasts for six months from the date of purchase.
A ticket to the movie you want to see is included.
You can find more information about membership by clicking here.