Older people reconnect with Bollywood memories through new project
A new partnership project developed by Screen Memories and Age Scotland is encouraging older people to reconnect with their memories of the golden age of Bollywood cinema.
Volunteer-run Screen Memories uses cinema and TV to allow older people to reminisce in a group experience, and has historically worked with groups of people living with dementia and their carers, as well as those looking to share their keen interest in cinema, to create a stimulating and engaging group environment.
The national project has now teamed up with Age Scotland, the national charity for older people, to reach a new audience through the Bollywood Screen Memories initiative which launched today (Thursday 25th April) at Shanti Bhavan Social and Cultural Centre in Glasgow.
Age Scotland’s Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Rohini Sharma Joshi OBE, said:
“Through our Scottish Ethnic Minority Older People Forum, we are always keen to develop partnerships that are inclusive to and support the wellbeing of ethnic minority older people’s groups across Scotland. Screen Memories was a perfect fit and we’re delighted to collaborate on this exciting new project.
“For many ethnic minority older people, Bollywood was and remains a huge part of their lives – especially as there is now the option to watch both older and newer movies on streaming services and specialist TV channels.
“By focusing on Bollywood movies from the 50s, 60s and 70s, we hope this project will offer people the chance to connect with others and reminisce about their memories attached to particular films and the iconic songs and dances they feature.”
Michael White, Screen Memories Trustee, said:
"We have been conscious for some time that our charity's work to date has been focussed on film experiences in the English language, mainly from British and American cinema.
"Our aim is to extend film reminiscence to other audiences, and we were delighted when Rohini agreed to develop Bollywood cinema as part of this exciting new partnership".
