Killing Gävle
Global Cultures
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20m
In the city of Gävle, Sweden, there is an annual fight between local custodians and mischievous pagans for the spirit of Christmas. Each year since 1966, local business owners have paid for a 40ft straw goat to be made and displayed in the main square for the Holiday season. In 37 of those years, the goat has been burned down or damaged by shadowy outsiders. These goat-burners are pagans who see the giant statue as an accidental effigy to the ancient Norse gods, which must be sacrificed before the end of the year to ensure the return of the sun. In this film, residents from both sides of the goat conflict explain their hopes and motivations as Advent ticks down to Christmas...
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