Science Is Fiction: The Films of Jean Painlevé

00:00:15 ACERA or THE WITCHES' DANCE

00:00:44 As the water recedes, it reveals mudflats as far as the eye can see

00:01:14 fully extended, the creature measures up to 2 inch length

00:02:31 Underneath, a deep furrow

00:03:37 A shell in the rear protects the internal organs

00:03:43 on an extended foot

00:03:47 like a snail

00:03:52 allowing it to move and swim as well

00:07:30 As with other animals dancing is a way of finding a partner

00:07:45 Here they're slightly speeded up

00:08:10 so the creature must pivot its neck

00:08:17 Being hermaphroditic creatures, each animal functions successively

00:08:23 They can also form chains, Here is a chain of three

00:08:30 functions as both male and female simultaneously

00:08:39 goes on about its business -- eating mud, for ÃŒnstance

00:09:32 Eggs are laid continuously, even during intercourse

00:09:41 Eggs are laid in a string about a foot long

00:09:52 surrounded by vibrating cilia that help it move

00:10:33 to scatter carried along by the current

00:11:09 The survivors drop to the bottom

00:11:59 The foot on which the animal will crawl from now on

00:12:24 A few weeks later, the growing cloak will spread out around the body

00:12:34 becoming "mom and dad"