Sergio Lopez Figueroa is the filmmaker behind Irish in Britain’s Cuimhne video, My Story, made as part of a Memory Book project to support those living with dementia and memory loss, and their carers.
Sergio talked to Irish in Britain’s Cuimhne Coordinator Zibiah about the experience of making community films that are also dementia friendly.
He stressed, “Communities are the main force for change, there are many situations where people are oppressed without any input in changing the future.”
“Video is an important tool of communication. There are many different ways of making videos. One is shooting at people with a big camera … community media is different, it is about getting the story bottom up and allowing people to say what they want to say.”
Sergio shared seven Top Tips for making a community film.
1. Be flexible – a script it is just a guideline.
2. Make the best of every location
3. Adapt to the situation
4. Be resourceful
5. Take time to listen to people first! Build in time for pre–production and preparation to understand who is involved
6. Allow people to participate and have ownership not only of production but of the story being told!
7. Participatory video is horizontal. Don’t panic – it is sometimes, only at the end when you have all the elements gathered that the story emerges and comes alive.
If you ware thinking of making a film take a look at DEEP (The Dementia Engagement and Empowerment Project), which has published guidelines on what to consider when making a community film dementia friendly.