ROPEY

DIRECTED BY GILES RIPLEY
UK // 2020
12 MINS

After the death of her husband Tom, Heather is in therapy, trying to cope with the grief. When Heather tries to kill herself, Tom turns up to stop her. Is Tom real, or a mash up of memories and trauma? Either way, he seems to be sticking around.

Reflective Encounters

“If ROPEY opens on a medical consultation, the film certainly doesn’t lack nimbleness. Although we quickly understand that suicide is at the center of the film, this topic is not treated in a dramatic way. From touches of latent comedy that allow moments of breath, to ridiculous situations deliberately orchestrated, this dramedy navigates through the darkest feelings while allowing hope and sweetness to be expressed. Giles Ripley's short film sets itself as a call to the gentlest feelings through the simplicity of an unexpected encounter.

Within this melodramatic and romantic story built on various layers of time in the simplest setting, the notion of a bond between two people is what remains the most important. Through time & space, this bond seems to be eternal. Every human being has to take care of their own personal space, and it starts with leaving the door opened to the others.  This film is also an opportunity to remember that it is important not to dwell on loneliness and individuality, and that one’s mental space is a weighing scale on which you have to find the right balance in front of you to get back on your feet.”

— Florian Fernandez

 

Filmmaker Q&A

A Q&A with filmmakers from the Only Human programme at Encounters Film Festival 2021.

Filmmakers - Giles Ripley - Director and Allon Wechsler - Producer (Ropey).

Hosted by Ren Scateni, Encounters Head of Programme.