AnimationWorld Magazine — August 23, 2018
Dancing Goddesses: How Nina Paley Animated Stone Sculptures for ‘Seder-Masochism’
One of the year’s most engaging indie animated features, Nina Paley’s Seder-Masochism takes audiences on a wild ride through the traditional Passover Seder, with a splendid cornucopia of rich 2D animation set to musical themes ranging from liturgical to pop.
The second feature film from the Central Illinois-based independent animator, who released Sita Sings the Blues in 2009, Seder-Masochism loosely follows a traditional Passover Seder, with events from the Book of Exodus retold by Moses, Aharon, the Angel of Death, Jesus, and the director’s own father. But the film also presents another side of this ancient story: that of the Goddess, humankind’s original deity, in a tragic struggle against the forces of Patriarchy.
Besides being the biblical epic you can dance to, Seder-Masochism is a beautifully crafted and entertaining film, neatly laying out Paley’s interpretation of Exodus. It was selected to compete at this year’s Annecy festival, in June, as well as Poland’s ANIMATOR festival, where it won the feature film audience award. As the film continues its rounds, festival-goers can expect to see it at the upcoming Ottawa and Vancouver festivals, as well as the Animation Is Film festival in Los Angeles.
In a colorful, beautifully designed film that masterfully communicates its message, some of Seder-Masochism’s standout sequences feature dancing stone goddesses dancing to Norman Whitfield’s infectious “You Gotta Believe” as performed by the Pointer Sisters. Put this video on repeat, because you’re not going to be able to tear your eyes away: