Kranky Klaus Cameron Jamie, 2003

Kranky Klaus forms part of a series of documentaries in which Cameron Jamie records European and American folk rituals. To his amazement, the director found out that while the Western established order of art may make room for an extensive examination of the folklore and ritual heritage of former colonies, the own history is being neglected. Kranky Klaus is in its form an objective registration, although it often comes about in the middle of the action, of the socalled Krampus ritual in Austria. Men in hairy suits with large teeth and imposing antlers go from door to door around Christmas to chase and attack people as Krampus demons. They are in the company of a SaintNicolaslike figure who then calms the people down. The ritual dates back to heathen preChristian customs that preceded today s less aggressive but totally commercialised Christmas activities.