FilmNorth’s Stories 55 program offered three filmmaking courses for older adults in 2022: Virtual Adventures in Visual Storytelling, Creating a Short Video Memoir, and Creating a Short Documentary. Each was open to participants of all levels, including beginners. This program was made possible through generous funding from E.A. Michelson Philanthropy as part of the Seeding Vitality Arts MN program.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Older adults have a lifetime of stories to share and insights into the world from lived experience. Their perspectives are important to share, and film is a particularly accessible way in which to do that – especially with new technology that makes filmmaking easier and more affordable than ever before. While most adults have a smartphone that can record video, creating quality films requires an understanding of story, light, sound, framing, scoring, and editing.
FilmNorth can provide that training in a sequential skill-building series that includes a social component to encourage relationship-building among the participants. This structured (and casual) learning environment does not serve as art therapy, but rather as a true arts learning experience where students are challenged to put a critical eye to their work, as well as to the work of their classmates. They emerge from the program with a high-quality film that they can share with friends and family, post on a personal website, and enjoy themselves.
It was a most rewarding experience on many levels – artistic, educational, personal, and community.
—Rebecca Pavlenko, Stories 55 participant
VIEW STORIES 55 PARTICIPANT FILMS ON OUR VIMEO CHANNEL
STORIES 55 PROFILE ON TWIN CITIES PUBLIC TELEVISION’S (TPT) MINNESOTA ORIGINAL
