How a Family Film Turned Those With Limb Differences into Witches

This Halloween brought with it a new family-friendly horror film. Rahl Dahl’s 'The Witches' is about a group of evil witches, and more importantly, how to identify them. "A real witch doesn’t have hands. She’s got claws." Grandma, one of the movie's protagonists, tells her anxious grandson along with the audience, "And they don’t have toes. Their ugly feet look like their toes got chopped off with an ax. And all witches are bald. As bald as a boiled egg." In the film, these witches are also compared to "demons in human shape." This draws a brutal connection off-screen directly to the film's audience; that those with limb differences are demonic. Many communities have been affected by the demonization of these characteristics.

The hashtag #notawitch has risen on social media, especially Instagram. Those born with limb differences share their perspective of what feels like a depiction of them on screen. Amy Marren, the paralympic swimming medalist, wrote a statement regarding the effects of the film on her and those like her.

We should be delighted to see limb differences highlighted in films such as The Witches. However, what we did not anticipate is for limb differences to be associated with Warner Bros portrayal of a Witch ie, a scary, frightening creature. Representation is something that we are constantly fighting for and although it is promising to see a limb difference made so noticeable in a film, the approach and connotations are potentially wrong and hurtful. [...] I am concerned for the next generation of young adults and children with limb differences. [...] it is difficult for a number of people to see a limb difference associated with Witches and even more difficult to anticipate what conversations may follow as a result.

- Amy Marren, via paralympic.org

In the same article, Amy also touches on the unnecessary changes in the film from its original story, which portrays witches as having claws rather than a split hand/ missing fingers. The original portrayal is one in the realm of fantasy, while the new release depicts witches looking too identical to those with limb differences, as well as those on medication that causes hair loss.

Anne Hathaway portrays the Grand High Witch in 'The Witches'. Her character (who sniffs out children to poison and destroy) has missing toes and fingers, along with a bald head. Realizing the damage done to the community, she has issued an apology on her Instagram along with a video by Lucky Fin Project.

Let me begin by saying I do my best to be sensitive to the feelings and experiences of others not out of some scrambling PC fear, but because not hurting others seems like a basic level of decency we should all be striving for. As someone who really believes in inclusivity and really, really detests cruelty, I owe you all an apology for the pain caused. I am sorry. I did not connect limb difference with the GHW when the look of the character was brought to me; if I had, I assure you this never would have happened. I particularly want to say I’m sorry to kids with limb differences: now that I know better I promise I’ll do better. And I owe a special apology to everyone who loves you as fiercely as I love my own kids: I’m sorry I let your family down.

-Anne Hathaway, via Instagram

Storytellers are constantly learning about the importance of inclusivity, as well as the responsibility of portraying humanity. We must go forward with the knowledge that all films birth ideas onto its audience. As the film industry utilizes more minority storylines and characteristics, it is vital to create with caution for the group being affected and keep in mind that there is no physical mark of malice. Evil lies in actions, not characteristics. To learn more about limb difference visit luckyfinproject.org.