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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.

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The Short Happy Life of the Poklad

Directed by Michele Trentini

2012 – 27'

Synopsis

In the Dalmatian island of Lastovo, the Poklad is a monumental, all-encompassing annual celebration. Dressed as XIX C. British marines, the Pokladari escort the captive dummy to its death.

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).