On Fear and Evil – a short film exploring fear and evil
Alisa Javits’ On Fear and Evil is a 25-minute short film exploring fear, evil and the relationship between the two. Through personal experiences, the film considers how fear can influence human actions and shape our understanding of good and evil.
What fears do we carry with us? How does fear affect the way we act? And can fear become a source of evil?
The film begins with a short reflective prologue and concludes with an epilogue. Between them, a series of anonymous interviews brings forward personal experiences of fear and evil – of the evil the interviewees have done themselves, as well as the evil they have experienced at the hands of others.
Remaining anonymous, the interviewees speak from deeply personal experiences while raising questions that extend beyond the individual. Where is the boundary between fear and evil? How do our experiences shape the way we act towards others? And can we always recognise when fear begins to determine our actions?
Alongside the inner world of the human being, nature becomes another presence in the work. Its scale is different: nature exists independently of humanity, even as human beings remain dependent on it in many ways. Within this scale, the violence and evil of human history can appear small. On an individual level, however, evil can be immense.
On Fear and Evil does not seek to offer a definitive answer to what evil is or where it comes from. Instead, the film opens a space for reflection on fear, responsibility and the human capacity for doing harm – as well as on what happens when harm is directed towards us.
Year
2025
Duration
25 min
Music
Joanna Similä: “Jolea”
Edy Fung: “Quantum Foam”
Mikko Ihalainen: “Empath”
Alisa Javits is a visual artist and creative director whose works explore the experiences of human existence in this world. Alisa’s works are characterized by profound content and versatility. A recurring theme in her work is the contradiction between the inner and outer in people.
Alisa Javits works with moving images, installations, live-visuals and graphic arts. Alisa’s background includes visual studies at Stockholm University and a degree in photographic art from Aalto University. She holds her own exhibitions, participates in group exhibitions and video festivals, and creates audiovisual live performances in collaboration with musicians. Alisa’s works have been widely presented both in Finland and internationally at festivals and galleries.
The artwork has been supported by:
The Finnish Cultural Foundation (SKR)
The Arts Promotion Centre Finland (Taike)
The Promotion Centre For Audiovisual Culture (AVEK)
@alisa_javits
www.alisajavits.fi