THE FOREST AND THE UNCONSCIOUS
Workshop at the Intersection of Avant-Garde Cinema and Psychomagic Self-Discovery
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Description
Psychomagic and Artistic Approach to the Unconscious in and through Cinematic Works
Date: October 16 – 19, 2025 / Location: Trieste
The 4-day intensive seminar “THE FOREST & THE UNCONSCIOUS” is a new course in the workshop series that explores the intersection of avant-garde cinema and depth psychological concepts. In this workshop, we dive into the archetypal symbolism of the forest as it appears in film history, psychology, and mythology. The forest is explored as a place of the unconscious, transformation, and self-encounter.
The forest carries many different connotations for us. It is often perceived as both eerie and dark, a place where one can easily get lost or feel alone. At the same time, it is also a space of healing, a connection to nature, a place for inner reflection, and an idyll of peace.
Learning Outcomes:
Theoretical Understanding of the Archetypal Landscape of the Forest:
Participants will gain comprehensive knowledge of the forest as a psychological and cultural symbol. They will explore how the forest is understood in depth psychology as a metaphor for the unconscious and its role in myths, fairy tales, and film history.
Analytical Skills in Relation to Cinematic Works:
Through the analysis of films where the forest plays a central role, participants will develop a deep understanding of its representation as both a motif and a metaphor. They will learn how cinematic techniques are used to visualize the unconscious and transformative processes through the symbolism of the forest.
Personal Self-Exploration and Artistic Expression:
Participants will engage with their own relationship to the forest and its symbolism. Through creative exercises and cinematic experiments, they will explore the transformative power of the forest and gain new insights into the unconscious layers of their personality.
Development of a Personal Artistic Exploration of the Theme:
By the end of the workshop, each participant will have created their own cinematic or artistic project related to “The Forest and the Unconscious.” Various artistic techniques will be used to visualize intuitive and personal interpretations of this theme.
Teaching Methods
– Historical Overview and Theoretical Analysis
– Practical Exercises
– Cinematic Experiments
– Artistic Implementation
Program
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Theoretical Exploration
Friday, October 17, 2025
Practical Application
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Artistic Implementation
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Screening & Closing
Schedule:
Thu–Sat: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM (including multiple breaks and a communal dinner, which also serves as a debrief and planning session for the next day). Sun: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Participants: Min: 4 | Max: 8 | Language: English (Italian/German)
Fees: The participation fee is €580 per person, including meals (accommodation not included).
Materials: All working materials are part of the course package and included in the fee.
For registration and further information, please write to: production@herrmauser.com
Our lectures and course instructors: team