Skip to main content

The RAI FILM Festival will take place in Bristol (UK) from 11 to 15 June 2025, and online (available worldwide) from 16 June – 16 July, including the online film conference from 1 to 4 July.

Search our film database

The Beautiful White Masks of Rèsije

Directed by Michele Trentini

2017 – 15'

Synopsis

In a small community of Italian Slavic-speakers, the performance by the Beautiful White Masks, impersonated by women, comes to an abrupt end with the burning of the Babaz.

This film is part of **Carnival King of Europe DVD 8 – STRAW MEN AND HUMAN SACRIFICE**. The climax of the masquerade, which marks a turning point in social time, is the staging of a human sacrifice by the burning of a ritual dummy.

Films included in DVD 8: The trial, sentence and execution of Johnny Woodstock (14:30 minutes), The Passion and Death of the Carlisèp (19 minutes), The Short Happy Life of the Poklad (26:30 minutes), The Bear Chase (7 minutes), The Beautiful White Masks of Rèsije (15 minutes).