Giving Dementia a Voice: Films That Inspire and Empower

Ian Bustard, a Bafta-winning filmmaker, found himself at a loss when his father was diagnosed with dementia. Unsure of how to help, he decided to channel his feelings and experiences into making a film that would shed light on the realities faced by people living with dementia. Bustard partnered with Ron Coleman, a Scottish poet and activist who had vascular dementia and was known as The Demented Poet. Together, they created a documentary and a short film, which are now being shown as a double-bill in cinemas across the country.

The documentary, titled The Demented Poets, follows Bustard's personal journey after his father's diagnosis. It introduces viewers to Coleman and other 'dementia activists' who challenge the idea that dementia should define their lives. These individuals strive to show that people with dementia can still have agency, creativity, and a voice in society. Alongside the documentary, Bustard and Coleman produced Caught in This Moment in Time, a short film based on a stage play written by Coleman. In this film, Coleman portrays a writer with dementia who is struggling with writer's block, accompanied only by his AI companion, Alexa.

The response to these films has been deeply emotional, especially among people living with dementia and their carers. Bustard explained to BBC Scotland News that the screenings are designed to give a voice to those affected by dementia. He said, 'It's a film that's really for people who have recently got a diagnosis, or for family members, because it gives a different perspective from what you get from medical professionals. ' Many viewers have shared that the films have helped them feel more positive and hopeful, even after receiving a diagnosis.

Sadly, Ron Coleman passed away in October last year, in the midst of the film screenings. Before his death, he asked Bustard to continue working on a third film in his memory. This new project, called The F Ward, was conceived by Coleman and focuses on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on people living in care homes. Bustard is now working with the team he and Coleman built to complete the film, which will feature actors with dementia alongside other experienced performers. The goal is to preserve memories from the pandemic era and highlight the experiences of those in care homes.

The Demented Poet double bill will be shown at Montrose Playhouse on 22 January, Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre in Peebles on 23 January, and Eastwood Theatre in Giffnock on 13 February. Through these films, Bustard and Coleman have created a platform for people with dementia to share their stories and challenge stereotypes, helping audiences gain a deeper understanding of what it means to live with dementia.