An Australian documentary film that explores the life of notorious artist Rosaleen Norton (who faced allegations of satanic rituals, obscene art and sex orgies in 1950s Sydney), 'The Witch Of Kings Cross' portrays one of the country's least known yet infamous counterculture feminists.
The 1940s-'50s Australia was a country that was socially and politically conservative, so an artist depicting pagan gods and demons in their work was always going to attract the attention of the authorities.
Add to the mix that Norton worshipped the God Pan, practiced trances and sex magic, and was inspired by the work of occultist, artist and poet Aleister Crowley and you have a recipe for scandal.
Told in Rosaleen's own words, 'The Witch Of Kings Cross' combines stylised drama (Rosaleen is played by Kate Elizabeth Laxton), interviews, reenactments with erotic dancers and never-before-seen artworks, diaries and scrapbooks.
The film's writer-director Sonia Bible ('Recipe For Murder') asks did the scandals mask Rosaleen's genius.
"I was immediately struck by the bravery and sheer determination of Rosaleen Norton," Sonia says.
"She was a wild, creative woman, decades ahead of her time. She never gave up her artistic pursuits, no matter how hard the authorities made it. I found that inspiring."
Released worldwide on Amazon, iTunes, Vimeo and GooglePlay, 'The Witch Of Kings Cross' premieres 9 February, and in selected cinemas from 11 February.
