ROPEd is a short dramatic film based on Margaret Atwood’s poem “Half-hanged Mary” and on true events that took place in Massachusetts in 1685. It chronicles the harrowing experience of Mary Webster, an independent landowner and healer, who was lynched by her Puritan neighbours on accusations of being a witch. Webster’s tale is one of both persecution and defiance, tragedy and triumph. Here was a woman who stood tall in the face of unfathomable adversity.

We live in a time when the words “witch hunt” are cast about quite casually, often used metaphorically. But this witch hunt was literal and real. It took the lives of many innocent people, mostly women. I made ROPEd in tribute to these victims and in particular to Mary Webster, whose indomitable spirit has the power to burn through time and inspire us today.

-Riel Stone / Director & Writer
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ROPEd

​"Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live."