Actually, I wouldn’t have watched this if my parents hadn’t invited me. But after 5 minutes, I had to admit that the story fascinated me. – Sophie, 17
During the eight years of filming, I would find myself at film networking / social events answering the ubiquitous question about my “current project.” At these times I learned that I was making an “older women’s film” – generally, when I described the project, women over 50 would respond with interest and enthusiasm. Others tended to drift to other topics. I mean, of course: who cares about a personal film about two women aging?
This is why, when I can be present for film screenings with live audiences, I am particularly curious to hear what young people in the room have to say. Is 80 just too far away for them to relate to?
The answer is, no. I am surprised by how much they engage in the conversations afterwards. Many young people tell me the film makes them think about their grandparents. One teenager told me in tears that she had lost her grandfather the year before and during his prior illness had only seen him as a shell of himself. The film helped her empathise more with his inner life and personhood, even in the frailty of aging – which had previously dominated her impression of him.
Another young woman, maybe 18, came up to me after the film with her best friend in tow. “This is my ‘Barbara’,” she told me. “I hope we are still best friends when we are 80.”