Still Blue

The Story:

'Still Blue' tells the story of an attentive middle-aged man, William Daihbis, visiting his Mother in an elderly care Dementia unit over the course of her final year of life. The film explores the challenges that a disease like Alzheimer's has on what was once a tight-knit family of two and denotes the themes of whether or not it's worth the hardship/stress on both parties that it takes to continue the relationship at this point. 

Why this theme?

This is not a sad story. ‘Still Blue’ is intended to share in an experience with the audience; striving for those moments of connection between loved ones, regardless of the circumstances. Our team wanted to create a final-year project with this kind of depth and emotional connectivity possibility so that it could both further our film-making skillsets, while also finishing our degree with a film that we could be proud of knowing that we had been part of a story that empowers/inspires others to continue their positive relationships with the elderly members of our society. 

Authenticity Readings/Collaborations: 

It is important with every story to ensure you are portraying as accurate and respectful a representation as possible, and though this story was inspired by our writer/director’s own family experience we wanted to consult with a variety of perspectives/views. With this in mind, our Producer’s sought collaboration with both Alzheimer's New Zealand and Dementia Wellington by requesting members read the script and story overview and provide an external opinion on the portrayal we intended to show. The responses we received were both positive and assured that our portrayal was sensitive as well as accurate to the realities of living with Alzheimer’s. 

Huge thank you to Lyneta Russell from Alzheimer’s New Zealand and Kristen Phillips & Anne Schumacher from Dementia Wellington!

What donating to our project means:

We believe in compensation/properly thanking others for the time and energy put in towards a collaboration like this; Therefore, the money raised from your donations will go towards paying our wonderful cast members for their time, and ensuring adequate food and drink for all dietary requirements are provided to both cast and crew on shooting/working days. 

We would also like to contribute to the valuable research that is being done/brilliant care workers and facilities that provide assurance to the quality of life care NZ’s dementia-affected communities receive by donating what is left of our fundraising efforts at the end to Alzheimer’s New Zealand. 

Our Team:

Writer, Director & Co-Producer: Annabel Brown

Co-Producer & Head Editor: Katherine Wang

Director Of Photography (DOP): Nathan Whalley

1st Assistant Director: Robin Glen

Animation & Visual Effects Coordinator: Sapphire Williams

Gaffer: Sebastian Boyes

1st Assistant Camera & Assistant Editor: Anderson Sun