Dementia is a thoughtful short film from Santa Sabina College (Australia, 2022), screening in the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival. The film explores themes of dementia, congenital disability and ageing, seen alongside the viewpoints of teenagers and school communities. It considers perception and group dynamics without prescribing a single answer, inviting viewers to notice how challenges shape relationships across generations. Created by Santa Sabina College, Dementia sits comfortably within the festival’s mission to highlight the abilities, experiences and achievements of people with disability. Short and observant, it opens space for conversation about care, understanding and belonging.
My grandfather was a professional soccer player. He made TV appearances, he was a loving husband, a supportive father, and the best grandfather any grandchild could hope for. Today my grandfather doesn't know what soccer is anymore. He needs help with daily tasks. He doesn't recognise me anymore. My grandfather has dementia. When I ask people if they know what dementia is, they often say it's something to do with the memory and something that mainly affects elderly people, but they're not too sure what it is. I don't have any idea what is dementia. I don't know anything about it. Yeah, I've heard of dementia, but I'm not too sure what it is. Dementia, I've heard about it, know nothing about it. Dementia is a term used to describe a group of illnesses that are characterised by a decline in brain function. The most common type of dementia is the Alzheimer's type, which is characterised by a progressive loss of cognitive and physical function. Antonio has Alzheimer's disease, which is characterised by a rapidly progressive decline in his motor skills, social skills, memory, and cognitive function. At present, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, and unfortunately, there is also no medication to stop its progression. My grandmother has always been there for my grandfather. When my grandfather was initially diagnosed with dementia, it was a total shock to her. She would be by his side at every moment. She would cook for him, clean him, shave him, and help him with his mobility. Really, she was helping him with all his daily tasks. But as his dementia progressed, I could see that she started to struggle looking after him at home. Then she was diagnosed with cancer and required urgent surgery. But the day came when my grandmother could no longer care for my grandfather. She had cancer, and my grandfather had lost his ability to walk. His dementia was progressing, and the doctor said he would never walk again, and that he had about six months to live. Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait, hold on. This is not how the story ends. My grandmother survived cancer, and my grandfather walked again. And every time he stopped walking, and the doctors would tell him that he would never walk again, he proved them wrong. It was amazing. He was a professional soccer player. His ability was his mobility, and he was going to fight. A message that I have for family members or friends who have someone in their lives who is going through dementia is to always be there for them. Thank you. Thank you.
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Dementia by Santa Sabina College (2022)
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Dementia
by Santa Sabina College - SCHOOL DOCUMENTARIES
