Ceremony Guide

The term nyctinasty refers to the movement of leaves and petals in response to the onset of darkness, a protective mechanism that is beneficial to plant growth. The film follows the protagonist, played by Millar Baker herself, following an evening routine of self-care in preparation for nightfall. These acts –bathing, tending to a fire, the application of charcoal – reflect the ceremonial acts of care for the body and spirit after death, presenting a continuation of traditional Aboriginal spirituality and practice

Set in a domestic interior, the film is intentionally slow-paced with shots that linger and record the protagonist’s movements in detail, enticing the audience into a meditative state where they are feeling as well as watching. Drawing on the visual vocabulary of horror films, of which Millar Baker is a devoted fan, the pacing belies a rising tension throughout the film – creating the sense of invisible presences that surround the protagonist and a desire for release. Whereas in the horror genre, spirits almost always have ill-intent, the forces at play in Nyctinasty are ambiguous, presented as part of the daily reality of the protagonist’s life.

What is familiar and comfortable to you in this work?

What questions would do you have about the work?

What are some domestic rituals in your life that allow you to provide self-care?

What does it feel like to undertake these rituals and processes- what is the outcome?

Spend some time thinking deeply about the domestic rituals in your life. Write a dot point list of all the processes you undertake and in what order, what time and materials do you need to complete them?

If you were to give this list to someone else, would they be able to follow it and undertake the domestic ritual?

Now record the outcomes of this ritual using words or drawings. How does this ritual change of impact you physically, mentally or emotionally?