Join us for a special showing of Witches, a powerful and imaginative film written and directed by Elizabeth Sankey.

The film, released in 2024, is a British essayistic documentary, takes us through a haunting yet deeply personal narrative weaving together the mythology of witches with the lived reality of postpartum mental illness, exploring how stories of fear, power, and transformation continue to shape women’s lives today. Cleverly edited with a rich tapestry of clips from witch-themed films across cinema history, the film reflects on how accusations of witchcraft have historically overlapped with societal perceptions of women's mental health—especially mothers.

Edinburgh Napier University is committed to raising awareness of metal health and wellbeing, breaking stigmas, and providing resources to support our colleagues and students if they are experiencing periods of challenging mental ill-health. We do not shy away from the hard topics and over the last four years we have hosted events focused on suicide prevention, men’s mental health and the mental health issues affecting our young people today. This year we are proud to present this bold, compassionate, and deeply reflective film that uses the metaphor of witchcraft to shine a light on women’s wellbeing.

The film and subsequent panel discussion will allow Elizabeth Sankey to share her personal experience with postpartum anxiety, depression, and psychosis as she reframes shame as solidarity and isolation as connection calling for cultural compassion toward maternal mental health.

Panel discussion

Joining Elizabeth for a post-screening panel discussion will be:

• Chair - Dr Leslie Dodd, Associate Professor of Scots Private Law,  Edinburgh Napier University
• Claire Mitchell KC / Zoe Vernidozz - Witches of Scotland
• Dr Jenny Patterson, Lecturer in Midwifery, Edinburgh Napier University
• Prof Nicola Ring, Professor of Nursing, Edinburgh Napier University

Near the closing of this event, there will be opportunity to network at a drinks reception with canapes.

Advanced registration is essential.

Find out more and book your tickets here >