After extensive adventures in Europe, Joey Rositano found himself on Jeju Island, South Korea, teaching English. During those initial years he heard about a mysterious practice of shamanism on the island that he decided to explore for himself. What he found was the fascinating world of mystical shrines, indomitable grandmas, and spirits among us. Rositano set out to record the voices and stories of the island in his documentary Spirits and the associated photobook.
Joey’s work, on Instagram.
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Intro music: “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range,“Big Sky Blues,” by Phil Griffin.
Absolutely fascinating. Thank you Joey and Chris.
Pity that modern Koreans feel embarrassment about their shamanic heritage, given how back in Japan their Shinto culture has attained international attention due to the powerful influence of Anime and the work of Studio Ghibli.