Brookdale’s Hugely Popular “Celebrate Aging Film Festival”
Brookdale Senior Living, the owner and operator of over 1,000 senior living communities across the United States, used film to embrace the theme of aging and challenge our concepts around getting older – and the results were incredible.
In fact, Brookdale made it their mission to challenge stereotypes about aging and celebrate seniors by hosting their second annual “Celebrate Aging Film Festival” this month. Learn more about the spectacular event that encouraged residents to step in front of the camera to deliver their best, Oscar-worthy performance and “change the perception of aging” in our society.
Celebrating Aging in the U.S.
Earlier this year, over 100,000 Brookdale residents in the U.S. had the opportunity to submit a five-minute long film, using only an iPad and their imagination, to deliver a positive and uplifting message about aging.
According to Brookdale News, of the 62 films that were submitted, nine nominees were selected as finalists. Residents and staff from the nine communities with nominated films then traveled across the country to the historic Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tennessee, to attend the “Celebrate Aging Film Festival.”
These ‘movie stars’ received the celebrity treatment, including a red carpet walk with photographs and a special awards show and screening.
Members of the public were also encouraged to participate in the festival by viewing the nine nominated films and voting for their top choice in the Ecolab People’s Choice Award.
The winning categories, communities and film titles included:
- Best Acting: “Old or Older?” by Freedom Pointe at The Villages, The Villages, Florida
- Best Picture: “Reflections” by Brookdale Greenville, Greenville, South Carolina
- Best Technical Design: “Reflections” by Brookdale Greenville, Greenville, South Carolina
- Best Writing: “Cat’s Outta the Bag” by Brookdale Colonial Heights, Kingsport, Tennessee
- Ecolab People’s Choice Award: “All These Moments” by The Solana Vintage Park, Houston, Texas
- The Courage Award: “Determination Becoming Inspiration” by Oklahoma City Southwest, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Praise for Brookdale’s “Celebrate Aging Film Festival”
Last year, the “Celebrate Aging Film Festival” won the Argentum “Best of the Best Award,” which recognizes “innovative new programs and services that are working to improve the future of senior living.”
This prestigious award further validates the importance of engaging seniors in their own care and lifestyle choices and celebrates the beautiful moments and milestones seniors continue to experience as they age.
According to Carol Cummings, senior director of Optimum Life Engagement at Brookdale, “it’s simply amazing to see the creativity, thought and passion our communities put into these films. Last year’s films were so inspiring, and this year’s nominated films really capture the spirit of our festival. There are some really great stories and touching moments that will make the audience think. That’s the whole point of the film festival. We want to change how people think about aging.”
Did you know about Brookdale’s “Celebrate Aging Film Festival?” Which winning film did you enjoy the most? We’d like to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
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