The idea
This is all about giving people an opportunity for five minutes of fame! Participants can choose to make a film about whatever they like - just so long as it's something that has happened to them during their life and they also have a few photographs for illustration.
We generally carry out four sessions with each group of 4-6 participants: explanation of the idea and chat about possible subjects; selection and digitisation of photographs; filming session; feedback session. We also organise a screening at a local venue so that friends and family can see the completed films.
Earlier in the year we carried out projects in Whitstable and Hythe (please see PixtoFlix on Youtube). Now we have participants who would like to make films in Margate. We have about half the money required for this project left over from a previous project but need to raise about £1500 more.
What we'll deliver
- Introductory session where we show previous films
- Digitising session. Participants select and digitise their photographs
- Filming session. Each participant will be filmed for 15-30 minutes on their chosen subject
- Funder Films will edit the films
- Feedback session. Participants will gather to review the films and suggest changes
- Screening for friends and family
- Upload to PixtoFlix Youtube channel (with participants permission)
Why it's a great idea
Several participants talk about how useful it is to have an excuse to look through past photographs and to share stories with each other and younger volunteers. Many talked about how good it was to relive past events and to hear things about fellow participants that they had no idea about before the project took place. Often they said that they ‘knew the stories’ but it was ‘so interesting to hear the stories in conjunction with seeing the photographs’ (and ultimately film).
The project also provides validation, encourages empathy, and, when younger volunteers are present, it facilitates intergenerational understanding. For many being filmed is a new experience and an achievement itself.
A major benefit is that collectively the films are doing a lot to dispel many of the myths about dementia. Many people who have watched the films have been surprised to see that participants have been so coherent and that their long term memories have provided such vivid descriptions of past events.
Steps to get it done
- Carry out initial meeting
- Digitise photographs
- Film participants
- Receive feedback from participants and act on it
- Screening!
For more details of PixtoFlix - including a video showing the process - please visit https://www.youtube.com/@PixtoFlix
