The audacious journey of three young Norwegian women who formed the black metal band Witch Club Satan, armed with more conviction than musical prowess, is captured in the compelling documentary "Hex." Directed by cinematographer Maja Holand, the film chronicles the band’s improbable rise from a nascent coven to performers at major international festivals, all while navigating the deeply entrenched, male-dominated landscape of black metal. "Hex" is set to celebrate its international premiere at the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival before making its way to CPH:DOX, the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival, solidifying its arrival on the global stage of documentary filmmaking.
The premise of Witch Club Satan’s formation is as raw and visceral as the music genre they chose to infiltrate. Nikoline, Victoria, and Johanna, united by a shared sense of numbness and a desire to awaken, adopted the persona of witches. Their initial lack of musical expertise was a secondary concern to their potent artistic vision. Armed with face paint and instruments, they embarked on a path that would defy expectations. The documentary delves into this genesis, highlighting the band’s self-proclaimed mission to "shake up the world by bringing the noise and show their raw and often hidden powers as women." This endeavor, however, was met with significant pushback within Norway’s macabre, male-dominated black metal scene. The film promises an unflinching look at the criticism, opposition, and myriad challenges the trio faced as they carved out their unique space.
The Genesis of a Cinematic Vision
Director Maja Holand, herself a cinematographer, stumbled upon Witch Club Satan during a period of profound personal transition. As a new mother of three, she grappled with the potential sacrifice of her filmmaking career, a sentiment that resonated deeply with the band’s own quest for awakening. "When the band appeared, I was immediately captivated by their project," Holand shared in an interview. "They wanted to awaken from a numbness they felt – something I deeply related to." This immediate connection fueled her decision to document their journey. Initially, she reached out to ensure someone was capturing their story, but the role of director soon became a natural evolution. "I’m actually a cinematographer and hadn’t planned on becoming a director. But that’s how it had to be, once they felt comfortable having me around."
The decision to direct was driven by an instinctual recognition of a powerful narrative. Holand saw in Witch Club Satan’s trajectory the makings of a compelling cinematic experience, one that transcended the typical musician’s biography. The band’s deliberate decision to learn instruments with the knowledge that they might not be "good enough" before their stage debut, coupled with their self-identification as witches and their embrace of a "bloody, primal, and grim" aesthetic, presented a unique artistic canvas.
Navigating the Labyrinth of Personal and Collective Journeys
A central theme explored in "Hex" is the interwoven nature of the band’s collective ascent and the individual transformations of its members. Holand recognized early on the importance of character development in documentary filmmaking. "I feel that a good documentary is about character journeys, so that quickly became a goal – especially once I realized how different they are and how differently they entered the project," she explained. The project was deeply personal for Nikoline, Victoria, and Johanna, centered on their self-transformation. While the band’s development provided the "outer framework of the film," Holand was committed to unearthing the distinct paths each member was forging. This approach allowed the documentary to delve beyond the surface-level spectacle of a band’s rise, offering a more nuanced and resonant exploration of identity and empowerment.
Challenging Societal Norms: A Witch Trial for the Modern Age
The theme of breaking free from rigid societal norms proved to be a cornerstone of "Hex." Holand found herself drawn to the historical persecution of witches, a subject she realized she knew surprisingly little about. Her research revealed a stark contrast between the historical understanding of "witch" as an insult and the empowering reclamation of the term by Witch Club Satan. "Diving into the historical witch trials really appealed to me, especially when I realized how little I actually knew about that history," Holand stated. This exploration led to a profound redefinition of what it means to be a witch. For Holand, "being a witch is an honorary title – it means you have the power and courage to truly feel and live out who you really are."
This thematic preoccupation with judgment and societal condemnation manifested in a striking cinematic device: a modern witch trial. Holand conceived of staging a courtroom drama where Witch Club Satan would be on trial, with a judge reciting accusations. This innovative approach offered a powerful visual metaphor for the resistance the band faced, circumventing the need for clunky on-screen text to convey social media criticism or backlash. "What if I staged a modern witch trial where Witch Club Satan were on trial, and a judge could read the accusations aloud?" she mused. This concept not only provided structural solutions, allowing for the efficient exposition of complex events through the judge’s pronouncements, but also created a potent parallel between historical witch hunts and contemporary forms of public scrutiny and judgment. The risk involved in such a bold narrative choice was palpable, but Holand believed it was essential to conveying the film’s core message.
Feminism at the Core of the Black Metal Rebellion
The documentary unflinchingly examines the band’s emergence within the "male-dominated, macabre black metal scene" and their unleashing of "raw female power." Witch Club Satan explicitly embraced a feminist identity, positioning themselves as a feminist black metal band. Holand herself identifies as a feminist filmmaker, drawing parallels between the band’s defiance and her own experiences as a female cinematographer in an industry that, despite strides, remains "skewed." Her work with "Herstory," an initiative aimed at strengthening female perspectives in film, underscores her commitment to this ethos. The film therefore serves as a potent testament to feminist agency, showcasing how women can challenge established power structures and redefine artistic landscapes.
The Impact and Future of "Hex"
The sales of "Hex" are being handled by Cat&Docs, indicating a strong international market interest. Produced by Mari Nilsen Neira and edited by Holand and Hilde Bjørnnstad, the documentary features an original score by Witch Club Satan themselves, further immersing the audience in the band’s sonic universe. The film’s distribution strategy aims to reach a broad audience, including "fans of the band, the music scene, witches all around and far beyond."
Following the extensive creative demands of directing "Hex," Holand is considering a return to shorter formats and her primary role as a cinematographer. "Directing takes a lot out of me," she admitted. However, the profound impact of this project suggests that her "strong cinematic intuition" will undoubtedly continue to guide her future endeavors, potentially leading to more powerful narratives that challenge conventions and amplify underrepresented voices. The documentary’s exploration of themes such as self-discovery, artistic rebellion, and the enduring power of female solidarity ensures its relevance and resonance for audiences worldwide. The initial reception at the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival and the anticipation for its CPH:DOX screening suggest that "Hex" is poised to leave a significant mark on the documentary circuit, illuminating the extraordinary story of a band that dared to conjure their own destiny.
