Mary’s Tree is a labor of love, and I hope that the viewers of the film feel the strong bond of friendship between Mary and me. While her story is difficult, she herself was an extraordinary person. She opened up to me about her experiences of domestic abuse, and I became the guardian of this testimony. Before she died, she tasked me with the responsibility to have her story help other women.

Working with psychologist, legal scholars, and experts in recovery for survivors of domestic violence, Mary’s Tree will be a tool for crisis center advocacy and education. I also deeply hope that the film will be a cathartic experience for survivors who are not yet able to share their experiences of abuse. Through viewing this film, I hope other survivors will feel hope and possibility as they witness Mary who, after many years, reclaimed her land and her identity.