See the “Still Dreaming” Documentary Test Screening: Monday, July 29th, 7:00 p.m. Reserve your free tickets by calling the NoHo Senior Arts Colony at 866-255-1124.
In addition to the screening, the evening will feature a talk-back with director Hank Rogerson, the audience, and EngAGE Founder and Executive Director Tim Carpenter, which will be recorded for the Experience Talks radio show.
NoHo SAC has a beautiful professional, 78-seat theatre which we expect to be filled to capacity for this exciting event. Click here to learn more about the film. You can also find more information on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shakespearemovie.
We’re delighted that the NoHo Senior Arts Colony was chosen by filmmakers Jilann Spitzmiller and Hank Rogerson of Philomath Films as the venue for the public’s first look at the team’s new documentary film, entitled “Still Dreaming.” The documentary follows a group of entertainment retirees as they cast, rehearse and perform a production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Set at the Lillian Booth Actors Home in Englewood, New Jersey, this troupe has decided to take a huge leap of faith into a world that was once familiar, but is now so seemingly treacherous. Stretching their physical, emotional and mental limits, the elders take the six week journey together to mount a production.
The Lillian Booth Actors Home hires two young up and coming Shakespeare directors from NYC’s Fiasco Theatre to direct the play, Ben Steinfeld and Noah Brody. Ben and Noah’s collaboration with the elders is an interesting study of the challenges and rewards of undertaking a creative endeavor with an older population.
“Still Dreaming” is a candid, open, and life-affirming film that will inspire viewers to keep chasing their dreams and pursuing their ambitions, regardless of age.
Producer/Director Jilann Spitzmiller most recently won a Casey Medal for Meritorious Journalism for her work in the POV PBS documentary, CRITICAL CONDITION, which she co-produced and co-directed. She produced the award-winning SHAKESPEARE BEHIND BARS and co-directed, produced and edited HOMELAND which aired on National PBS in 2000.
Producer/Director Hank Rogerson is a Producer, Director, Writer, actor and teacher who works both in documentary and fiction film. Hank directed SHAKESPEARE BEHIND BARS, which picked up 11 awards on the festival circuit, was broadcast world-wide and had a theatrical run of over 25 U.S. cities. Hank also co-produced, directed and edited HOMELAND, an award-winning documentary about four families on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, as well as CIRCLE OF STORIES, a cutting edge multi-media project that brings to life the vibrant art of Native American storytelling at pbs.org.

“Nostalgia has been shown to counteract loneliness, boredom and anxiety. It makes people more generous to strangers and more tolerant of outsiders. Couples feel closer and look happier when they’re sharing nostalgic memories. On cold days, or in cold rooms, people use nostalgia to literally feel warmer.” Read more
Sometimes remaining in a well-loved home is important to ensure a senior’s comfortable later years. Home renovations can make that possible and may be more cost effective than a move to an assisted living facility. Two articles offer helpful suggestions:
“Worth Repeating” is a weekly feature on the EngAGE Blog that will bring you previous posts that we think are still timely, interesting, or just plain fun! From 7/13/12:
There are many ways that technology can help seniors living alone (and their families) feel more comfortable about their health and safety. The familiar emergency call buttons are just the beginning.
