23. Seniors Making a Horror Movie: How Filmmaker Sean Cisterna Turned Rejection Into a Global Movement Against Isolation

Send us Fan MailEpisode Description:What happens when a filmmaker gets rejected from every grant—then discovers a senior citizens fund and pitches the wildest idea imaginable? Award-winning Canadian filmmaker Sean Cisterna shares the inspiring story behind Silver Screamers, his 2025 documentary about a spirited group of seniors who came together to make a horror film called The Rug.The Origin Story:How a flyer about the New Horizons for Seniors Program sparked an unconventional solution to funding rejectionWhy nobody raised their hand when he mentioned "blood and gore"—until 96-year-old Audrey changed everythingThe serendipitous moments that transformed a short film project into an award-winning documentaryBehind the Scenes:What happened at the first script reading (hint: larger fonts were urgently needed!)How a puppeteer, a painter, and a social butterfly brought their real-life skills to create movie magicWhy the insurance company said "no" and how that led to beautiful intergenerational partnershipsFire alarms, smoke machines, and other chaotic moments that make great cinemaThe Bigger Impact:How participants went from "I didn't know I had this in me" to walking red carpets and signing autographsWhy horror audiences and aging research centers are equally enthusiasticPost-screening conversations where people share stories about their grandparents and confront fears about agingSean's upcoming international workshops teaching seniors to make films in Mumbai, Brussels, and beyondKey Themes: Community building and reducing social isolation • Trying something new at any age • Permission vs. direction: letting authenticity shine • Using humour and levity to inspire • Intergenerational collaborationPerfect for: Family caregivers, recreation therapists, activity directors, digital storytellers, anyone interested in creative aging, and anyone who believes it's never too late to surprise yourself.Connect with Sean Cisterna:Instagram & Facebook: @SilverscreamersDocInstagram: @SeanCisternaSilver Screamers is screening throughout 2026—reach out to book a screening!Watch the Silver Screamers Official TrailerMentioned: New Horizons for Seniors Program • CAG Conference • Toronto After Dark Festival • Fantastic Fest • Hot Docs CinemaThank you for listening!Do you have a question or a topic related to "capturing essence for care" that you would like discussed on the podcast?  Email:  [email protected] use the "Send us Fan Mail" link at the top of the Episode Description to text the show!Interested in learning more?  Check out my Etsy ShopVisit my YouTube channel or websiteIntro and outro music with thanks:  Upbeat and Sweet No Strings by Musictown Lisa brings over 25 years of experience working in healthcare settings with older adults. The perspectives shared on this podcast are her own and do not represent the views of any past or current employer. Patient/resident stories are shared only with explicit permission or as anonymized composites for educational purposes.