AceShowbiz - In the stark, male-dominated world of Norwegian black metal, a remarkable story unfolds in the documentary Hex. Directed and shot by Maja Holand, this film chronicles the journey of three young women—Nikoline, Victoria, and Johanna—who form the band Witch Club Satan. Despite having no prior musical experience, they embrace their identities as witches and carve out a space for their feminist black metal collective on the international stage.

Hex debuted internationally at the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival and will be featured next at CPH:DOX, the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival. The film captures how these novice musicians paint their faces, grab instruments, and rapidly evolve into a band performing at major festivals worldwide, all while confronting deep-seated opposition within the male-centric metal scene.

Maja Holand explains that the story of Witch Club Satan attracted her at a moment of personal crisis. As a new mother of three, feeling creatively stifled and emotionally drained, Holand found inspiration in these women’s desire to break free from numbness. They set out to learn instruments despite knowing they might never be “good enough,” defining themselves as witches with a raw, primal, and grim aesthetic.

This raw energy and transformation resonated deeply with Holand. Initially a cinematographer, she had not planned to direct but felt compelled to document their journey after confirming no one else was doing so. The film explores not only the band’s rise but also the individual paths each member takes to embrace their personal identities as witches.

Hex explores themes of female empowerment and rebellion against rigid societal norms. Holand was particularly drawn to the historical context of witch trials and how the term “witch” has long been used as an insult. Through extensive research, she reframes witchiness as an honorable trait representing the courage to live authentically and fully.

A distinctive narrative device used in the film is a modern-day witch trial courtroom setup. Holand describes how this creative choice came to her during a jog, providing a cinematic way to address the backlash and social media criticism Witch Club Satan faced. In this staged courtroom, a judge reads accusations against the band while witnesses physically appear to voice their opinions. This parallel between past and present judgments of witches adds a powerful structural and thematic layer to the documentary.

Despite the challenges of entering a dark, male-dominated genre, Witch Club Satan openly identifies as a feminist black metal band. Holand acknowledges her own feminist stance as a filmmaker, working with initiatives such as Herstory to amplify female perspectives in the industry. The film spotlights the band members’ fierce reclamation of power in a scene often hostile to women.

The soundtrack, naturally, features music by Witch Club Satan themselves, complementing the visuals and emotional intensity of their story. The documentary’s production was managed by Mari Nilsen Neira, with editing by Holand and Hilde Bjørnstad. Cat&Docs is responsible for the film’s sales and international distribution.

Looking ahead, Holand hopes Hex will reach audiences ranging from black metal fans to those interested in feminist and witchcraft themes. Professionally, she is considering focusing more on shorter formats such as music videos and short films, as directing feature documentaries demands a great deal of personal energy.

Hex offers an intimate, unvarnished glimpse into the lives of three women challenging conventions through music and identity. It highlights their transformation from inexperienced musicians to powerful figures in a niche yet fiercely competitive cultural space, inviting viewers to reconsider the meaning of witchcraft and female strength in the modern world.