Acera, or the Witches' Dance (1972)

Acera, or the Witches' Dance (1972) poster

In mud flats along the coast of Brittany we watch acera, small ball-shaped mollusks that are about two inches in diameter. They rest in mud; then, in water, they dance, their skirt-like hood spreading like a dervish's cassock. They spin and spin. The film adds musical accompaniment. We watch them mate and secrete eggs: acera are both male and female, and can form chains with other acera in which they simultaneously mate as a male and as a female. The eggs hatch, and the cycle begins again.

Director: Jean Painlevé, Geneviève Hamon
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 13 min
Release Date:
Music: Pierre Jansen
Cinematography: Geneviève Hamon, Jean Painlevé
Country: France
Language: Français
Original Language: fr
More Films by Director: Jean Painlevé, Geneviève Hamon
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Acera, or the Witches' Dance about?
In mud flats along the coast of Brittany we watch acera, small ball-shaped mollusks that are about two inches in diameter. They rest in mud; then, in water, they dance, their skirt-like hood spreading like a dervish's cassock. They spin and spin. The film adds musical accompaniment. We watch them mate and secrete eggs: acera are both male and female, and can form chains with other acera in which they simultaneously mate as a male and as a female. The eggs hatch, and the cycle begins again.
Who directed Acera, or the Witches' Dance?
Acera, or the Witches' Dance was directed by Jean Painlevé, Geneviève Hamon.
How long is Acera, or the Witches' Dance?
Acera, or the Witches' Dance has a runtime of 13m (13 minutes).
What genre is Acera, or the Witches' Dance?
Acera, or the Witches' Dance is a Documentary film.
Where was Acera, or the Witches' Dance produced?
Acera, or the Witches' Dance was produced in France.