When Revera, one of Canada’s leading retirement community chains, reached out to Reel Youth, a non-profit organization that introduces youth to film making, about a filmmaking project to support its anti-ageism message, Programs Manager Zoe Miles saw it as the perfect fit.
“Reel Youth works with communities to produce films with strong social messages. This project was a really nice fit in bringing together two social groups who are often isolated, especially from one another, and who are often discriminated against because of age.”
Earlier this year, Revera and Reel Youth began filming in a number of a homes to tell the stories of residents in a way that breaks down stereotypes about aging. Youth were directly involved in pre and post production, filming and directing the films.
For Revera, the project was a way to build on their Age is More campaign. “Age is More is focused on breaking down misperceptions and celebrating ageless spirit,” says Stephen Foster, Senior Vice President, Retirement Living at Revera. “This project is a fun and meaningful way for the generations to come together, share experiences and learn from each other.”
Filming projects took place at two Revera homes, one at Whitecliff Retirement Residence in White Rock, B.C., and the other at Appleby Place Retirement Residence in Burlington, ON. Ted Fauteux, Executive Director at Appleby Place, said that the project was embraced by the residents. When asked to fill out a questionnaire about why they would want to be involved, almost all of the residents said they wanted to help youth gain new skills in filmmaking.
“It was wonderful,” Fauteux says “to see the relationships out of the work. It ended up being much more than we thought it would be.”
Over the course of three weekends, the youth learned the ins and outs of filmmaking, spent time getting to know the residents, took hours of film and completed the post-production.
A few of the residents, he says, have made plans with the youth to have lunch in the future. When asked if he would recommend other retirement homes take part in intergenerational programs, Fauteux is enthusiastic. “Absolutely. Everyone involved came to me and said they would do it again in a second.”
Both Miles and Fauteux point out how impressed the seniors were with the skills and focus of the youth. “Residents commented that these young people really know what they are doing,” Miles said. “The youth had a sense of being respected as equals, coming in with a range of skills.”
Fauteux believes that when youth and others watch these films, “they see a whole new picture of seniors.” The films have already gathered hundreds of views and have been featured in a number of media stories, including by the CBC, the Toronto Star and the National Post.
Miles knows that if you don’t have experience to show you otherwise, it’s easy to revert to stereotypes. “The power of these films is that they provide an opportunity to challenge harmful stereotypes about seniors and youth.”
Building on the intergenerational theme of the filmmaking experience, Reel Youth has developed partnerships with other retirement homes in the past year in an effort to expand the filming experience to youth throughout the province. You can learn about one of these, Greenway Retirement Village here.
You can also view all Reel Youth videos on their website.