Hi John, 

You won’t believe what I saw at the Sundance Film Festival last week — there are so many independent films grappling authentically with themes of aging, disability, and care! 

Take for instance, Thelma, an adventure-comedy centering a 93-year-old grandmother who is scammed out of money and embarks on a mission with her friend to retrieve it. The film explores themes of autonomy and how to accept support from loved ones, while showing us that we can ALL age with dignity. 

I’m also still thinking about Out of My Mind, a powerful story from the point of view of Melody, an eleven-year-old girl with cerebral palsy who is nonverbal and uses a wheelchair, as she navigates the 6th grade. While it’s Melody’s story, her care circle is integral to her world. 

These stories challenge us to think about how care touches all of our lives. With more filmmakers blazing the way for care-related stories, this is our chance to propel care further into the spotlight. You can help us do that! Sign our petition to tell Hollywood we need more care stories on screen. 

There are millions of people in the U.S. who require care due to aging or disability. But the experiences of those providing and needing care remain largely unseen by popular culture. That’s where stories like Thelma and Out of My Mind come in — they present a genuine experience of aging, disability, and care that helps audiences feel seen. 

Artists and changemakers already know the importance of centering the experiences of disabled people and older adults—it’s time for Hollywood decision-makers to catch up!

Authentic care stories are multidimensional — just like we are. Hollywood is uniquely positioned to depict care in a way that reflects our experiences and can help drive conversations about one of the biggest issues of our time. Sign our petition now to help make sure that happens.

With care, 

Lydia Storie, Director of Culture Change
Caring Across Generations