Witches
Documentary by Elizabeth Sankey about the representation of witches in films. Witches shows that our characterization of witches says a lot about how we view women, motherhood and mental health.
Motherhood is usually portrayed as a source of boundless joy, free from doubt and full of unconditional love. But what happens when a mother experiences post-partum depression and psychosis, and grapples with intrusive and dreadful thoughts about her newborn? Director Elizabeth Sankey draws from her own experience and relates it to the representation of witches in cinema and history, as well as testimonies from historians, folklore scholars and psychiatrists, crafting a profound cultural analysis of our prejudices and fears. By reclaiming the figure of the witch and embracing its mysterious and magical aspects, the film extends an invitation to a new kind of witches’ circle: one built on healing, empathy, and solidarity. (source: InScience Film Festival)