A New Thriller from Chilean Cinema: Witch Trials in Chiloé are Coming to the Screen

Chilean director Jorge Olguín is preparing to meet cinema lovers with the newest project of his career. The experienced cineaste, known for productions such as "Ángel Negro", "Sangre Eterna" and "Caleuche: el llamado del mar", is this time shedding light on the dark historical periods of Chile. The new film, titled "Kalkutún, Juicio a los Brujos", is about a highly intriguing witchcraft incident that took place in the Chiloé archipelago. With this feature film, Olguín aims to deeply affect the audience both visually and emotionally. The film is expected to be released in Ekim.

The director's approach to the production follows a very different line from the common trends of today's cinema industry. Olguín specifically emphasizes that he shot almost the entire film using practical and analog logic, without using digital effects. Stating that about 98 percent of the film is the result of real practical work, the director notes that digital post-production processes were also kept to a minimum. With this aspect, the cineaste believes the production will be one of the last examples of its kind, wanting to offer the audience a highly realistic visual experience. Olguín adds that as a result of all these efforts, he is sure the film will be a "luxury."

The filming location and timing of the film are also among the most important elements that shape the atmosphere of the story. The production was carried out in the Chiloé region, located in the south of Chile and known for its unique mythology, right in the middle of winter. The director explains that he made this choice in order to reflect the real cold that the actors physically felt on the set onto the screen. The production, where the snowy and harsh natural conditions thicken the created layer of tension, aims to convey the same thrill to the audience. The fact that the shooting was done entirely in natural and vivid landscapes largely determines the visual aesthetics of the film.

The story of the film is based on one of the most mysterious events in Chilean history. The event, dating back to the 19. century, precisely to the year 1879, deals with the widely echoed witchcraft trials that took place in Chiloé. These judicial processes carried out against an organization called "La Mayoría" offer a window for us to understand the social and cultural dynamics of the period. This historical background combines with the elements of the thriller genre, promising the audience both an informative and a suspenseful narrative. By reinterpreting this past event with a contemporary cinematic language, Olguín is trying to present an unforgettable story.

More information about the details of the production and the director's vision was shared in the podcast broadcast named "Factoría Invunche" and its accompanying YouTube channel. In this interview, Olguín firsthand explains many details, from the creation process of the film to its technical choices. Considered one of the important figures of Chilean independent cinema, the director's new project carries great potential for local cultural heritage to make a sound on international platforms as well. Shaped around witchcraft beliefs and historical trials, the film awaits to attract both thriller lovers and those interested in historical events. How much of an impact the production will have after the premiere to be held in Ekim remains a subject of curiosity.