Documentary
2025 Scotland
18 minutes
Language: English
Subtitles: English
Director: Robyn Thomas
Summary
The world is more than it seems. In the trickling stream bellows the Sea God, and within the moss-blanketed forest stands Pan Ra. This world teems with danger and wonder, with stories and mythical beings. It is an immensely difficult world to navigate, but it’s also full of riches.
Hearing voices, seeing visions, and experiencing unshared beliefs are commonly pathologised as psychosis, yet many people claim that these experiences can provide meaning and depth to their lives. “Unexpected Guests” is a short documentary film exploring Elisabeth Svanholmer’s unusual perceptions and experiences, how she makes sense of and finds value in them, and brings them into our shared social world.
The film follows Elisabeth as she finds ways of honouring her voices and presences through artwork and conversations. She balances the heaviness of being highly sensitive with the awe of having access to such rich inner states.