photo courtesy of Sungjib Kim

Witch movies: They are the perfect mix of unexplainable supernatural phenomenon, Grimm-esque fairy tales and psychological character studies (who doesn’t wonder about the psyche of the Wicked Witch?) From iconic figures like the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard Of Oz, the childhood nightmare-inducing film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Witches, creepy teen flick The Craft, the spellbound romance of Bell, Book and Candle and the uber-freaky Blair Witch Project, the amount of witch-centric cinema is a clear indication of our fascination with pointy hats and brooms. Then it should come as no surprise that local filmmakers have devised their own tale of witchery and suspense aptly titled Story About a Witch. Unfortunately we’re in San Francisco and not Hollywood, and climbing costs have halted production of the spooky flick. In an effort to raise funds for finishing the movie, a benefit and art exhibition Toil & Trouble will be held at the Space Gallery on Thursday, June 7. The event, which is a multimedia show that features art inspired by the costume and set design of Story About a Witch, will feature over thirty artists, superstar DJs Jenny, Nako and Omar, a silent raffle and a kissing booth. Toil & Trouble promises to be an evening of entertainment, art and dancing. Brooms optional.

Toil & Trouble
Thursday, June 7 at the Space Gallery 1141 Polk St., 415-377-3325.
7 p.m. - 2 a.m., suggested donation $6-66
Look for Story About a Witch in Fall 2007

Check out the trailer for Story About a Witch