Pioneering new South African documentary “Hearts Remember” (Pelo ya hopola) will have its global debut at the 17th International Conference on Ageing in Cape Town.
Hearts Remember Film: Exploring Dementia
Led by the acclaimed Paul Modjadji, the documentary explores the truths of dementia and ageing in contemporary South Africa through moving accounts.
Persons living with dementia, their families, caregivers, experts, and community leaders, for example, share personal journeys, from diagnosis to managing the condition, captivating audiences.
Iconic Stories in Hearts Remember Documentary
Iconic South African soccer coach Clive Barker shares his experience of living with Lewy body dementia for the first time. Marinda Breedt recounts her journey with Alzheimer’s, while TikToker Nduduzo Kay discusses his grandmother, Zithi Elisabeth Khoza, who has been living with dementia for five years.
SA Dementia Documentary: Realities Uncovered
Hearts Remembers provides a glimpse into how caregivers manage dementia, especially in elderly patients.
A Voice of Experience
In this documentary, the renowned TV and film icon Abigail Kubeka shares her insights. Notably, she narrates her journey through the challenges of ageing, while also reflecting on her understanding of cognitive disease.
A Global Stage in Cape Town
South Africa hosted the International Conference on Ageing, its first in 27 years, by hosting the Hearts Remember Documentary premiere in Cape Town from 9 to 12 September.
Global delegates, thanks to the Toronto-based International Federation of Ageing, gathered to spotlight ageing’s future.
Raising Awareness Through Film
“It is timely to return to the African continent as the young population starts to embrace the future. Today there are some 75 million people in Africa aged 60 years and over, and they will quadruple to around 235 million by 2050.”
~ International Federation of Ageing
Over 57 million people lived with dementia worldwide in 2021, according to the World Health Organisation, with nearly 10 million new cases yearly.
Modjadji, an Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health with the Global Brain Health Institute, stated that Hearts Remember is one of three projects designed to raise awareness about ageing and brain health in South Africa.
“Our aim is that through these projects we can get South Africans talking about brain health, ageing and dementia. The aim is to raise the profile of dementia advocacy in the country whilst dismantling myths and misconceptions about cognitive degenerative illnesses.”
~ Paul Modjadji
He will also release a short film “The Last Holiday” led by Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha and Dr Lillian Dube, as well as a six-part documentary series chronicling persons living with dementia in South Africa and their families.
“It is our hope that the film will inspire younger generations and the elderly alike to value the beauty of ageing. In this film, we meet inspiring individuals who are living full lives at all ages, defying the challenges presented by the condition.”
~ Wandile Molebatsi, Producer
Hearts Remember received valuable support from the Alzheimer’s Association, an organisation dedicated to aiding those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and their families.
Interested in learning more about dementia and the Hearts Remember Documentary? Visit Alzheimer’s Disease International to explore their global awareness campaigns at www.alzint.org, or you can also check out The Alzheimer’s Association’s website for support resources at www.alz.org/help-support.