The Pagan Yule Tree Angel: A Gateway to the Otherworld

The Pagan Yule tree angel is a unique and non-traditional alternative to the traditional Christian angel that is typically placed on top of a Christmas tree. This pagan-inspired angel represents the winter solstice festival known as Yule, which is celebrated by modern-day pagans and Wiccans. The main idea is that the pagan Yule tree angel offers a different perspective and symbolizes the connection between nature and spirituality. Unlike the traditional Christian angel, the pagan Yule tree angel is often depicted as a female figure with long flowing hair, holding symbols such as a staff or a crystal ball. The Yule tree angel also represents the divine feminine energy and the goddess within paganism. This depiction emphasizes the importance of female power and fertility during the winter season.

“We are honored to partner with the Dolby Institute to support these two daring and wonderful films through a program focused on the thoughtful development of sound and image at every stage of the creative process,” said Lauren McBride, Director of Artist Development at SFFILM. “Kobi and Beth are telling powerful stories from unique perspectives, and sound is a crucial tool in each of their storytelling arsenals. We can’t wait to see these films and hear the soundscapes they build.”

We re excited to support Beth de Araújo s and Kobi Libii s films, which use sound and image in very distinct ways, said Dolby Institute Director, Glenn Kiser. Travis, a black man newly released from prison, returns to a turbulent home life with his longtime girlfriend Candice and their androgynous daughter Kenisha.

This depiction emphasizes the importance of female power and fertility during the winter season. Furthermore, the pagan Yule tree angel serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. It symbolizes the hope and renewal that comes with the return of the sun and the lengthening days after the darkness of winter.

Here Are the Eight Films Selected for Sundance’s 2019 Directors and Screenwriters Labs

Filmmakers from the U.S., Lebanon, Palestine, and the United Kingdom have been selected for the 2019 Sundance Institute Directors and Screenwriters Labs.

Zack Sharf

The Sundance Institute has announced the projects that have been invited to the 2019 Directors and Screenwriters Labs. At the Directors Lab (May 27-June 18), filmmakers will rehearse, shoot, and edit key scenes from their scripts. The Screenwriters Lab (June 20-24) immediately follows and provides the opportunity for one-on-one story sessions with screenwriter advisors. The labs are overseen by Sundance’s Feature Film Program director Michelle Satter and Labs director Ilyse McKimmie.

Founded in 1981, the Sundance labs have been a launching pad for directors such as Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, Miranda July, Dee Rees, Boots Riley, Ryan Coogler, and Marielle Heller, among other names. At this year’s Sundance Film Festival, breakout titles such as Joe Talbot’s “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” and Lulu Wang’s “The Farewell” were supported by the labs.

The 2019 Sundance Institute Directors Lab Projects and Fellows are:

“The American Society of Magical Negroes” (U.S.A.) / Kobi Libii (director and screenwriter): Omar, a young black man, is recruited into an undercover society of Magical Negroes who secretly conjure literal magic to make white people’s lives easier. Once he realizes they are using supernatural means to do the very thing he’s felt obligated to do his whole life, he attempts to buck the system and put his own dreams first.

“Costa Brava Lebanon” (Lebanon) / Mounia Akl (director and co-writer) and Clara Roquet (co-writer): The Badri family lives an idyllic life of isolation in the Lebanese mountains, far away from a country drowning in garbage and pollution. When the government decides to build a landfill right outside their house, tensions amongst the family members explode, revealing the rot was not only outside their home.

“The Doubt” (Palestine) / Ihab Jadallah (director and screenwriter): After 12 years in prison, Ibrahim finally returns home to his wife and a son he has never met. Although he desperately wants to rebuild his life and his bond with his family, he is plagued by doubt about the true nature of their relationships, throwing into question whether this family can survive.

“El Otro Lado” (The Other Side) (U.S.A.) / Barbara Cigarroa (director and screenwriter): Set in Brownsville, Texas, during the child migration crisis, Lucy, a low-income Mexican American teen, is confronted with her own need for escape when her father decides to sponsor two undocumented minors for money.

“The Hater” (U.S.A.) / Joey Ally (director and screenwriter): Dorothy Gale Rexford is fired for taking her liberal extremist views too far, and must retreat to her conservative Texas hometown where she learns that her Republican childhood bully is running for state congress. In this town, only Republicans can win, so obviously the only thing to do is go undercover and run against him as a Republican herself!

“Pretty Red Dress” (United Kingdom) / Dionne Edwards (director and screenwriter): South London, present day. Travis, a black man newly released from prison, returns to a turbulent home life with his longtime girlfriend Candice and their androgynous daughter Kenisha. The family’s precarious balance is sent spinning when they discover him cross-dressing, calling all of their relationships into question.

“Story Ave.” (U.S.A.) / Aristotle Torres (director and co-writer) and Bonsu Thompson (co-writer): After running away from his rough home life, a teenage graffiti artist holds up an unsuspecting old man in a robbery gone right that changes both of their lives forever.

“A Thousand and One Nights” (U.S.A.) / A.V. Rockwell (director and screenwriter): An orphan with a mysterious past and the free-spirited hairdresser who takes him in embark on a search for identity and stability in a rapidly changing New York City.

Some pagans and Wiccans choose to incorporate other natural elements into their Yule tree angels, such as evergreen branches, feathers, or crystals, to further enhance their connection to nature and the divine. Overall, the pagan Yule tree angel offers a unique and meaningful alternative to the traditional Christian angel, allowing pagans and Wiccans to celebrate their spiritual beliefs and honor the winter solstice in their own way..

Reviews for "The Pagan Yule Tree Angel: A Protective Spirit for Your Winter Solstice Celebrations"

1. Sarah - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with the Pagan Yule Tree Angel. The quality of the product was definitely not worth the price. It looked cheaply made and the materials used felt flimsy. Additionally, the design was not what I expected. The angel was supposed to have a pagan-inspired look, but it just looked like a generic angel tree topper. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this product to others.

2. John - 1/5 - I purchased the Pagan Yule Tree Angel and I regretted it immediately. The product arrived damaged with several parts broken off. The packaging was also poorly done, which resulted in further damage during transit. The customer service was unhelpful and refused to provide a refund or exchange. I was extremely disappointed with the overall experience and would advise others to steer clear of this product.

3. Emma - 2/5 - The Pagan Yule Tree Angel was a letdown for me. The description made it seem like a unique and beautiful tree topper, but in reality, it was quite underwhelming. The angel had a generic design that lacked the intricate details I was expecting. The colors also looked faded and not as vibrant as advertised. For the price I paid, I expected much better quality and craftsmanship. I would not repurchase or recommend this product to others.

The Pagan Yule Tree Angel and the Winter Solstice Sun: Celebrating the Return of the Light