Bartl is a documentary film on the tradition of Krampus in Austria. Get to know about this 3000 year tradition.
The Carving and presentation of startling masks is an ancient Alpine tradition. Dating back to pre-Christian and pagan times, these traditions have moved through the centuries. Though they have adapted and changed, the core beliefs have remained intact for each generation. The word Krampus originates from the Old High German word for claw (Krampen). In the Alpine regions, the Krampus is represented by an incubus demon in company of Saint Nicholas. Traditionally, young men dress up as the Krampus in December and roam the streets frightening children and women with chains and bells. Their costumes include masks and full-body attire, which resemble a cross between a devil and goat. While the young men do inspire fear – be it real or pretend – in the villagers, the purpose of the Krampus is to frighten the malevolent spirits in an effort to drive evil away and to protect the village. The prominent horns found on the masks symbolize that effort, and across Europe horns are freely found warding off evil on every barn or house.
The present day Krampus costume consists of wooden masks, sheep's skin and horns. These elaborate and complicated masks are each a work of art and are avidly collected. Some masks used in ceremonies today are over 500 years old. With every half-century, there comes a new innovation to bring the tradition of Krampen forward. Our hope is that through this film we will catalog the present day tradition and bring a human element to this old tradition.
Much of this ancient custom has evolved into more modern interpretations. Our goal in this documentary is to cover the history, myths and future of this culturally loved custom. We also plan to explore the lineage of this tradition, which includes the history surrounding the influence of the church and the evolution of the characters of Angels, St. Nicholas, The Medicine Man and Death.
Your contribution will enable us to further develop these story lines in Austria. Funding will also allow us to begin the post-production phase, which includes getting the footage translated and edited. To our knowledge there has never been a documentary made on this subject. Please help us tell this story and keep its record alive for generations to come.
ABOUT ANDREAS PICHLER:
Andreas Pichler born in Lienz, Austria in 1977, is a fifth generation artist specializing in woodcarving and sculpture. His first hint of success was at the age of twelve when he won an internationalice-sculpting event in Italy. As an adolescent, Andreas brought his talents to the world of music, hand-crafting electric guitars for an elite client list. By 1998 this business had grown and he was producing over 300 unique guitars a year. Shortly thereafter, Andreas was asked to be the conceptual artist for the Red Bull soft drink company and he designed the “Red Bull Guitar” that toured the US in 1999. In 2002, Andreas formed a partnership with Infeld Instruments and Strings and designed over 500 Guitars a year for some of the industry’s biggest musical talents, including Prince, Slash, and Sting. During these years in design, Andreas never left his roots in Austria behind. Sculpting remained his main passion and following this period of commercial success, Andreas decided to return to his one great dream – to recreate and reinvent the ancient Austrian wood-carving tradition known as Krampus. What has followed has been three years of exhaustive research, experimentation and labor to create the next generation of the carvings and trappings of the tradition. He is proud to introduce you to Bartl.
Please scroll to the bottom of this page for Joseph Llanes' bio.
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28
Backers
$2,520
pledged of $40,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Unsuccessful This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on November 26, 2011.
Funding period
Oct 17, 2011 -
Nov 26, 2011
(40 days)
- First created · 0 backed
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- Website: josephllanes.com
Pledge $10 or more
3 backers
Your name will appear on our “thank you list” on the film’s Facebook/website page.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2011Pledge $20 or more
2 backers
Your name will appear on our “thank you list” on the film’s Facebook/website page. You will also receive a digital preview access code to view the film before its official release.
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $30 or more
0 backers
You will receive all of the above prizes plus: a Thank You credit on the film, a random phone call from a real Bartl (you may or may not understand him but he will give his best Bartl Roar).
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $50 or more
7 backers
In addition to all of the prizes listed above, you will receive a signed Bartl postcard as well as a free "large" download of the film.
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $80 or more
4 backers
With an $80 donation, you will receive all of the above prizes, as well as a signed copy of the completed film (on DVD or Blue Ray), a CD mix of our favorite songs from the film and inspiration music, random emails of our blooper reels and favorite scenes, and the trailer before it comes out.
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $100 or more
5 backers
In addition to all of the amazing prizes listed above, you will receive a signed poster of the film and a set of five amazing Bartl postcards.
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $150 or more
4 backers
A donation of $150 secures all of the above prizes as well as two (2) passes to a Los Angeles screening of the film with the director and producer (Tecate beer (for 21 and over) and popcorn included).
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $400 or more
1 backer
You will receive all the above benefits plus a private studio visit, for you and a guest, with Andreas Pichler who is a fifth-generation Bartl Mask maker. During the visit you will be able to learn more about the tradition and watch Andreas create a Mask. (Dates for the studio visit will be announced in January; travel and accommodation expenses are not included.) You will also receive a limited-edition Bartl photo book and Bartl art shirt.
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $500 or more
0 backers
With a $500 donation you will receive all of the above plus a 1-hr photo lesson with photographer Joseph Llanes. As a studio present, you will be able to select a custom print from his personal gallery to take home.
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $750 or more
0 backers
You will receive all the above benefits plus a custom/archival 11x17 of any Bartl photograph.
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers
All the above plus a 30-minute portrait session with Joseph Llanes. Five edited ready-to-print files will be sent to you following the session. (Portrait session must be redeemed in Los Angeles and scheduled in advance.)
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $1,500 or more
0 backers
You will receive all of the above plus two (2) passes to the official premier of the documentary. You will also be invited to attend an exclusive Q&A cocktail reception. Please note that travel and accommodation expenses are not included.
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $2,000 or more
0 backers
For a $2,000 donation, you will receive all the above plus a hosted 1-2 hour lunch with Andreas and Joseph. We will pick the place (don’t worry, we have good taste).
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $5,000 or more
0 backers
You will receive all of the above plus an Executive Producer credit and special thanks in the film. In addition, you will be entitled to a VIP Dinner with the film crew in Austria. You will also receive two (2) passes to the Austrian premier and a night out with the cast and crew at a local pub in Dollach, Austira. While in Austria, you will have the opportunity to dress up as a real Bartl and have your portrait taken. Trust us, this will be one of the coolest nights of your life. Please note that travel and accommodation expenses are not included.
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $7,500 or more
0 backers
In addition to all of the above, you will be entitled to receive a 2-hour carving lesson from Andreas at his studio in Austria. You will also receive a private tour of our favorite spots from the documentary and have lunch with Andreas and Joseph. At the end of your trip, you will receive a carving made personally for you by Andreas. Please note that travel and accommodation expenses are not included.
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $10,000 or more
0 backers
For a donation of $10,000, you will receive all the above plus a signed, original Bartl Mask crafted by Andreas Pichler.
Estimated delivery: May 2012
