Tidal Films

Under a Pagan Sky - documentary

Experience the rituals, challenges and celebrations of Australians recreating Pagan traditions.

In Under a Pagan Sky, we meet unique practitioners navigating the challenges of reinventing ancient Pagan religions to experience the sacredness of Mother Earth through community and ritual.

Filmed over three years, the film follows featured Pagans from the two largest traditions in Australia – Wicca and Druidry.

We join Tim OzPagan and Nuit’s Veil Coven to share in their moonlit rituals, designed to create other worldly states. The witches explore less chartered aspects of their psyche and commune with different Gods and Goddesses. Tarot is enlivened in theatrical ritual with Babalon's Rising Coven. Druid, Julie Brett, shares her experience of popular traditions like Christmas through a Pagan lens. We’re introduced to the ritual experience of Awen where Druids attune to the flowing spirit, the essence of divine inspiration. And we see Awen in action as featured Druids participate in an emotive, climate change rally in Canberra. Old customs are given a modern twist as Druids come together for the
evocative burning of the Wicker Man at the English Ale in Adelaide.

Academics Dr Caroline Tully and Professor Douglas Ezzy provide further creative and critical insights into contemporary Paganism. Bilawara Lee, Larrakia Elder, gives cultural protocols for Pagans practising their religion in Australia.

The documentary was filmed over different seasons in a variety of landscapes to capture the beauty and diversity at the heart of these nature-based religious practices.