Caretaker - A film about the one who suffers and those who suffer around them.
Hello everyone, my name is James.
I am not entirely sure if this post is suitable for this sub but I thought I would share with you anyway, please remove otherwise. I'm a filmmaker and a few years ago I made a short film (Caretaker) about the death of my grandmother (Pat) but told through the eyes of my mother (Sue), I wanted to translate what that experience is like onto film in a way that I don't think has been done yet. Pat had a long and difficult battle with Alzheimer's for almost ten years, words can't properly articulate what that's like, to see someone slowly succumb to a disease like dementia and even harder to express the emotions and pain you feel both for that person and within yourself.
Part of the reason why I'm posting this is because I am currently in the process of turning this personal story into a feature film, something which is becoming increasingly hard to do in this day and age without the right amount of 'clout' behind you. One of the ways I intend to gain backing and support for the project is through the conversations I intend to start with charities like Alzheimer's Research & Society with the hopes to get enough backing to get the project funded.
The title of Caretaker itself is inspired by James Leyland Kirby, a musician who created pieces of music that articulates the experience of dementia. I would highly recommend anyone interested in how artists articulate the disease through their work to check him out.
Here's a link to his work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJWksPWDKOc&list=RDwJWksPWDKOc&start_radio=1
I want this personal story of Pat & Sue to reach out and touch the lives of many who have walked down the same isolating road of caring for someone who birthed and raised you whilst they slowly disappear right in front of you. This is where I ask for anyone who has the time or interest to kindly please watch Caretaker and tell me your own experiences with the ones close to you who are currently suffering due to Alzheimer's. I intend to create something we can all connect to, something that everyone can find some sense of understanding in and most importantly something that can help you find peace.
Thanks again,
James