A new short film is bringing the stories, resilience, and aspirations of older Western Australians to the forefront, highlighting the enduring impact of ageism while celebrating the richness of life in later years.
Wise: The Voice of Older Western Australians will debut at the WA Made Film Festival in Perth on February 22. Produced by tsp studio in collaboration with Juniper Aged Care, the film is a compelling blend of art, storytelling, and research, offering a fresh perspective on aging.
At the heart of the film are six older Western Australians—Brian O’Grady, Jill Jack, Pat Edmonds, Lionel Wilson, Di Annear, and Margaret Halsmith—who share their personal experiences and hopes for the future. Their stories are accompanied by stunning portraits created by renowned photographer Steve Wise, whose award-winning artistry brings their narratives to life. Wise describes the project as his “proudest set of portraits,” praising the individuals’ vitality and the life lessons they shared. View the trailer below…
Interwoven with these stories are findings from CoreData WA’s research on ageing, commissioned by Juniper to mark its 75th anniversary. The research includes a “Happiness Index,” which measures the activities that bring older Western Australians joy and their ability to engage in them. The results underscore the importance of staying connected with loved ones and remaining physically active, supported by aged care services that help preserve these essential aspects of life.
“This film captures the research and artwork commissioned for our 75th anniversary, but more importantly, it amplifies the voices of a demographic that is often unheard and unrecognised.”
Juniper CEO Russell Bricknell
The research revealed a generally optimistic outlook among older Western Australians, with many eager to travel, learn new skills, and give back to their communities. However, concerning statistics also emerged, including two-thirds of respondents reporting experiences of age discrimination.
“How we treat, perceive, and engage with older people is a conversation we need to have as a society,” Mr Bricknell added. “With increasing life expectancy, ageism is likely to grow unless we take action to challenge it. We hope this film inspires audiences to reflect on their interactions with older people.”
Wise: The voice of older Western Australians will premiere at the WA Made Film Festival in
Perth as part of the Aging Gracefully Short Film Showcase on Saturday, 22 February.
