Late Bloomers Fest - The Film Festival For Creatives Over 50

Late Bloomers Fest: Creating space for storytellers over 50A conversation about launching Late Bloomers Fest, a film festival built to celebrate creatives over 50 and the stories they want to tell. Clare Pickering, Gary Boulter, and Ali Aitken share why the festival exists, who it’s for, and how it aims to challenge ageism in film and television.We discuss the realities of making work later in life, the difference between ageism for men and women in the industry, and how the festival is designed to be more than a screening event - it’s also a way to connect filmmakers, cast, and crew.Key topicsClare Pickering explains how the idea began after a Tropfest panel where she asked why support for emerging filmmakers rarely includes people who start later in lifeLate Bloomers Fest is open to creatives over 50, with at least 50% of cast and crew over 50, and stories focused on people over 50Submissions opened on 1 July 2026, close on 1 November 2026, and the screening event is planned for 6 December 2026 as a red carpet celebrationGary Boulter describes the festival as a response to how rarely mainstream screen stories center people in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyondAli Aitken shares that many people feel overlooked after leaving acting and returning later in life, especially outside the traditional drama school routeThe panel discusses how older creatives bring lived experience, organization, and perspective that can’t be taught in film schoolClare argues that ageism is especially strong for women, noting that auditions and roles often drop sharply after 40The group contrasts theatre and screen, suggesting theatre may be more open to older performers than film and televisionThe festival is also intended as a networking space, with plans for a community page where filmmakers over 50 can find collaborators, crew, and advice. Join us today at Late Bloomers Fest Cast & CrewLate Bloomers Fest - Information and SubmissionTEXT or VOICEMAIL The Late Bloomer Actor a Question or Comment. Support the showPlease consider supporting the show by becoming a paid subscriber (you can cancel at any time) by clicking the 'Support' button in your player and you will have the opportunity to be a part of the live recordings prior to release.And please Rate the show on IMDB.This episode was recorded on RiversideFM - click the link to join and record. And I listen to my favourite podcasts on TrueFans. TrueFans is a podcasting marketplace where listeners discover the podcasts they love but only pay the price they want for the value they receive. Download in your Apple or Google playstores.Check out The Secret Actor Society a community and educational platform to help propel your career forward. Use this link for 40% off your first two payments (after two free trial months.)I am a huge advocate for and user of WeAudition - an online community for self-taping and auditions. Use the PROMO code: LATEBLOOMER for 25% of your membership.