Almost 70,000 New Zealanders are living with dementia today and 4 out of 5 people know or have known someone living with dementia. At the same time, the crisis in aged care with Covid that has led to staff shortages, burnout, and the fact that many much-needed care homes are closing down, is devastating to witness.
In these turbulent times of intense challenge in aged and dementia care, a breath of fresh air and hope is coming to New Zealand on 4th August 2022, with a new independent feature film about dementia, Ruby’s Choice, winner of Australian Screen Industry Network ‘Best Film’.
Ruby’s Choice stars acclaimed actress Jane Seymour OBE, and is a deeply inspiring, and uplifting drama about Ruby, a loving and courageous woman who has early dementia, and goes to live with her family after accidentally burning down her house.
I have personally been involved with the production of Ruby’s Choice since January 2018 with advice regarding the script, and support of the cast and crew with our organisation’s expertise in the field of dementia.
Thanks to the perceptive direction of Michael Budd, a well-crafted screenplay by Paul Mahoney, and artistic cinematography by Steve Arnold, the production is both authentic and heartwarming.
The story is told through the eyes of Tash, Ruby’s teenage granddaughter acted by Coco Jack Gillies, with whom she has to share a bedroom. The film conveys how the family re-discovers the value Ruby has in their lives as she solves many of their problems in unexpected ways. This powerful story is relevant to anyone caring for a person with dementia and for people of all ages.
What is particularly unusual about this film is that the focus is on the positive, the special attributes that Ruby brings to her family and community, that leave a lasting impact into the future.
Ruby’s experience of dementia is exceptionally portrayed by Jane Seymour opening the door for the audience to experience what it is like to have dementia and relate to her different emotions.
One leaves the cinema feeling enriched with the insight that people with dementia have so much life wisdom to contribute to everyone around them who all benefit.
Funded by New Zealand Philanthropist
Acclaimed New Zealand Philanthropist Sir Owen Glenn of the Glenn Family Foundation, funded the production of Ruby’s Choice. Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life is the official charity that Sir Owen selected to be associated with the film.
“This innovative film not only helps shift perceptions about dementia, but by supporting Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life, it will enable this pioneering health promotion charity to alleviate the emotional suffering and ignite the Spark of Life in people with dementia, their families, and carers worldwide,” Sir Owen stated.
An Inspirational Education-Opportunity for Health Care Teams
Anyone working in aged and dementia care would benefit tremendously from the insightful educational opportunity this film provides.
For aged care services organising group bookings for their teams, reflective questions as well as a handout with educational points and specific learnings related to Ruby’s Choice are available from Dementia Care International on request by emailing: info@dementiacareinternational.com.
August is the official Global Spark of Life Month, creating awareness and raising funds for Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life and Ruby’s Choice opens on 4th August 2022.
Find a cinema near you and book tickets – from August 1st: www.flicks.co.nz/movie/rubys-choice/
To learn about the work of Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life visit: www.dementiafoundation.org.au