Unveiling the Voices of Dementia: A Filmmaker's Journey
When renowned filmmaker Ian Bustard embarked on a project to shed light on dementia, his personal connection to the subject matter was profound. After his father received a diagnosis, Bustard found himself at a loss, seeking a way to offer support. This led him to collaborate with Scottish poet and activist Ron Coleman, who lived with vascular dementia and became an influential figure in the world of dementia advocacy, known as The Demented Poet.
Together, they crafted a powerful duo, producing a documentary and a short film that have left a lasting impact on audiences across the country. The films, now showing as a double-bill in various cinemas, have elicited deeply emotional responses from those living with dementia and their caregivers.
The documentary, aptly titled The Demented Poets, takes viewers on a journey alongside Bustard as he navigates his father's diagnosis. It introduces the audience to Coleman and other 'dementia activists' who refuse to be defined by their condition, offering a unique perspective on living with dementia.
In addition to the documentary, Bustard and Coleman also created Caught in This Moment in Time, a short film based on a stage play by Coleman. In this poignant piece, Coleman portrays a writer grappling with dementia and writer's block, accompanied only by an AI companion, Alexa. The film serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity that can emerge even in the face of such a challenging condition.
Bustard's work aims to give a voice to those living with dementia, providing a different perspective from what medical professionals typically offer. He shared with BBC Scotland News that the screenings have been incredibly impactful, especially for those who have recently received a diagnosis or have family members affected by the condition. Many viewers have expressed a newfound sense of positivity and hope, feeling empowered by the films.
Tragically, Coleman passed away in October last year, just as the screenings were gaining momentum. On his deathbed, he requested Bustard to continue their work, specifically to finish a third film in memory of him. Bustard is now dedicated to fulfilling this wish, working with the team they had built together.
The project, titled The F Ward, is a film conceived by Coleman that explores the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on individuals in care homes. It involves actors with dementia, alongside experienced actors, aiming to preserve memories from the pandemic era. The Demented Poet double bill will be showcased at Montrose Playhouse on January 22, Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre in Peebles on January 23, and Eastwood Theatre in Giffnock on February 13, offering a unique and poignant cinematic experience.
