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RAI FILM Festival takes place on 27-30 March 2025. Learn more.

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The trial, sentence and execution of Johnny Woodstock

Directed by Michele Trentini

2010 – 15'

Synopsis

Carnival trials such as that held in Valda, in the mountains of Trentino, are commonplace throughout Europe. Death sentence is for granted.

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).

RAI FILM Festival 2025

The next RAI FILM Festival will take place in person from 27-30 March 2025 at the Watershed Cinema and the Arnolfini International Centre for Contemporary Arts in Bristol (UK) and online throughout the month of April 2025.