practical living to record our living family history until it ’ s too late . Storytelling is a powerful way of leaving a legacy for future generations , and filmmaking allows you to record such a vivid portrait of a person , their lifetime of experiences and the simple things , like the way they speak and laugh .
In their own image
Lesley Cunich
Storytelling on film captures the vitality of loved one ’ s lives for generations to come .
Simon Cunich interviewed by Patrick Avenell
Simon Cunich first became interested in filmmaking through his father , who was a keen photographer . This passion for visual storytelling quickly took its root , and Simon started making short fictional films as a boy , before developing an interest in documentary filmmaking as he matured . He has worked as a script writer and TV producer , videoing eclectic topics such as food in Venezuela , mountaineering in Nepal and music in Canberra .
In 2015 , when his grandmother was diagnosed with dementia , Cunich became determined to document and preserve her story , an experience he found so rewarding he developed the concept into a new business , Heirloom Films . Cunich spoke with Aged Care Insite about his time filming his grandmother and why he thinks it ’ s important to retain a lasting print of older Australians ’ lives and memories .
ACI : How did you first come up with the idea to make a documentary film about your grandmother ?
SC : I was helping my grandparents move house and came across a vast collection of old family photos going back about 100 years , which prompted me to start exploring my family history . It was around this time that my grandma was diagnosed with dementia and I felt compelled to record her life stories sooner rather than later . As a documentary maker , I did this in the best way I know how , through film .
What were your grandmother ’ s thoughts on this and the filmmaking process ? When I set up the cameras , at first my grandma was a little nervous . But as soon as she realised it was just like having a conversation and telling her favourite stories , she relaxed into her role as film star and we carried on talking and filming for hours . She loves the completed film and has been proud to share it with the whole family .
Why do you think this is an important endeavour ? People are becoming increasingly interested in genealogy , yet we often forget
How do you go about making one of these films ? The process of making a life story documentary starts by getting to know the individual , through conversations with them and their family . Based on what I learn about their life , I prepare a personalised interview and then come to them , set up a mini studio and start the camera rolling . It ’ s just like having a conversation that draws out stories , memories and reflections . Then the work begins : taking the extended footage and crafting it into the most engaging and cinematic film possible , with family photos and a musical score . We can also film additional scenes of the person doing what they love , whether it ’ s giving a tour of the garden or cooking their signature dish .
How have you grown as a person while documenting these stories ? Even with such vastly different life experiences , I find that people I interview often share common values and life lessons . When it comes down to it , the importance of relationships with loved ones eclipses everything else . When you hear stories from far in the past , told just like they happened last week , it does prompt you to think about how short life is .
Which aged-care providers have you worked with ? As a filmmaker , I ’ ve worked extensively documenting the Arts Health Institute ’ s programs in aged care . This has taken me into facilities all over the country . Last year , I made a documentary for the Whiddon Group about their services in far-west New South Wales and most recently I have made a number of life story documentaries at IRT in Canberra .
How many films have you made so far ? We ’ re in our first year of operation and we ’ ve already made about a dozen films . As more people find out this sort of service exists , the interest just keeps growing . I just got a call from an 89-year-old man who came across the website and wants us to make a documentary about his life , with a particular focus on his passion for creating sculptural artworks . ■
24 agedcareinsite . com . au