‘Good Lives’ on the big screen

Their films may not garner any award nominations, nor is it likely that the stars will be gracing the red carpet any time soon. However, for a group of amateur filmmakers, knowing that their creations will make a difference to the lives of older people is ample acknowledgement of their efforts.

Posted February 16th 2015

by super

<p>A series of films have been created sharing older people's vision of what it means to live a good life as you get older.</p> — A series of films have been created sharing older people's vision of what it means to live a good life as you get older.

The filmmakers, aged in their 60s, 70s and 80s, came together to create six short films about living a “Good Life”. Together, they spent a week at Adelaide’s Media Resource Centre, developing concepts before heading out on location to film them. They then hit the editing suite to guide the final production.

The films are about older people sharing their vision of what it means to live a good life as you get older, and will now be included in the federal government funded ACH Group Good Lives Network resource kit as a tool to support older people and their peers to live good lives.

The Good Lives Network has been establied to offer opportunities for older people to share their knowledge and experience with others.

Project officer, Fiona Telford-Sharp, who coordinated the filmmaking “bootcamp” was delighted with the outcome.

“To bring together a diverse group of people – most of whom had no filmmaking experience – was initially a daunting experience for us all. But the real strength was in their stories, and I knew that if we could capture them then the rest would take care of itself. We’re very grateful to the staff at the Media Resource Centre who patiently helped us bring the stories to life,” Ms Telford-Sharp says.

Participant, Kathy, spoke positively of the experience. “It was at times quite challenging but at the same time a very rewarding experience. I felt very privileged to meet some wonderful people who taught me not just about film making but also about the strength of the human spirit in overcoming adversity,” she says.

A ‘Good Lives on Film’ screening event will be held at the Mercury Cinema, 13 Morphett St Adelaide, tomorrow (Tuesday, 17 February) from 6pm to 8pm. The films will be introduced by the filmmakers and at the conclusion of the screening guests will be treated to light refreshments and a chance to mingle.