Independent film screenings in capital's care homes boost elderly's mental health

Independent film makers’ movies are being screened in care homes across London to bring cinema and creative art workshops to older people living in the capital.

The Women Over 50 Film Festival (WOFFF) has announced the return of Moving Pictures this year ‘to bring older people together’ by showing them independent short films from around the world and ‘sparking creativity’ amongst care home residents ‘to express their feelings about what they see’.

'I was blown away by responses of residents'

Moving Pictures events come with an information pack, which includes a DVD of 11 short films and creative activity worksheets to engage people aged 65+ in spoken, written and drawn responses to the films they watch.

A care home manager who has helped host two events, said: “The mood was very positive. I was blown away by the responses of residents.” Moving Pictures facilitator and WOFFF founder Nuala O’Sullivan said: “The films in Moving Pictures speak to many aspects of older people’s lives.

"Seeing themselves reflected positively on screen improves older people's mental and emotional health.

“Films in this programme include animation and drama comedies which always get laugh-out-loud reactions from audiences of any age, and especially from older ones."

Another care home manager said: “The residents were particularly positive about the music in 'Magicland'. Lots of the ladies were swaying gently to it.

“The film sparked memories for their creative writing activities.

'One lady asked to join a swimming group'

"The Honey and Bears' evoked thoughts and memories of swimming with grandchildren and in the ocean and led to animated conversations. One lady asked to join a swimming group.”

WOFFF showcases the work of older women on screen and behind the camera with an annual short film festival and year-round events and film screenings. The Moving Pictures project is delivered by the team behind this year’s WOFFF22 festival in Lewes, Sussex.

The success of the project follows a Moving Pictures pilot in 2021, which included guests from a charity supporting vulnerable adults in Glasgow, as well as elderly residents in a London care home.

Commenting on the Glasgow screening and creative activities participation, co-ordinator Clare said: “Everyone was completely captivated.

“We watched the films with the least dialogue as one woman doesn’t speak much English yet. We had a translator there and it was so interesting getting a really rich understanding of her particular experience of the event."

If you are interested in bringing Moving Pictures to a care home, email info@wofff.co.uk.