Project Detail

The Memory Boom

Synopsis

An experimental film that recreates the experiences of dementia through spoken word, documentary, dramatic reconstruction, and never-before-seen deteriorated archival footage: 16mm films from the 1930s to the 1960s, featuring major historical events and world travel. THE MEMORY BOOM is framed from inside the mind of Pops, a hospitalised grandfather with severe dementia. The decayed footage serves as a visual exploration of Pops' memories.
Pops' grandson narrates from his bedside, attempting to preserve Pops' memories while struggling to comprehend memory loss. Pops' confused thoughts rise to the surface, and he shares them with his grandson as if it were 'storytime' leading him down rivulets of muddled tales and garbled memories spanning his lifetime. Pops' Filipina nurse supports the grandson, sharing her inability to care for her own dementia-affected father in the Philippines. The film charts the trio's journeys through emotional turmoil, leading to a deeper understanding of the nuances of memory.
THE MEMORY BOOM was created with documentary participants from community groups across rural England and features anonymously donated archival materials, courtesy of Exeter Phoenix. The film was made in memory of the filmmakers’ relatives who lived with dementia, and explores memory preservation and photographic consent.
Official Selection PÖFF - Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival 2024 - World premiere

Details

Year
2024
Type of project
Features
Running time
60 min
Format
16mm
Director
Xenia Glen 1st Feature
Producer
Yemi Adegbulu, Xenia Glen
Executive Producer
Luke Hagan, Jonas Hawkins
Editor
xenia glen
Screenwriter
Antosh Wojcik
Director of Photography
Featuring archive footage courtesy of Exeter Phoenix
Sound
Antosh Wojcik
Composer
_weirdtoday
Principal cast
Antosh Wojcik, Paul Foster, Venus Perez-Lonoy

Production Status

Production Company

Sleepwalker Studios Ltd

Yemi Adegbulu
Rotherwood
Merrifield
Colehill
Dorset
BH21 7PB

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