The Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging is pleased to announce two upcoming documentary film screenings that explore aging through the lenses of creativity, advocacy, and cultural participation. These events are part of the Centre’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive conversations about later life and highlighting the diverse ways individuals continue to contribute to their communities over time. Both events are free and open to the public, and community members, students, researchers, and older adults are warmly encouraged to attend.
The first screening, Tough Old Broads, produced and directed by Stacey Tenenbaum will take place on February 21st at 1:00 pm at the AMS Student Nest. This inspiring new documentary features Kathrine Switzer, Siila Watt-Cloutier, and Sharon Farmer — trailblazing women whose achievements reshaped sport, environmental and human rights advocacy, and public life. The film celebrates determination, creativity, and lifelong purpose, inviting audiences to reflect on representation, opportunity, and the enduring impact of leadership in later life. The screening will be followed by a virtual talk-back panel moderated by age-studies scholar Dr. Julia Henderson, featuring director Stacey Tenenbaum; Siila Watt-Cloutier, Inuk climate and human-rights advocate; and Dr. Margaret Morganroth Gullette, an eminent cultural age-studies scholar. The panel will provide attendees with an opportunity to engage in discussion and ask questions. Register here.
The second event, a screening of Silver Screamers, will be held on March 29th at 12:30 pm at UBC Frederic Wood Theatre. This documentary offers a humorous, heartfelt, and spine-tingling glimpse at a group of older adults brought together to embark on the journey of creating a horror film. Through stories of friendship, expression, belonging, and learning new skills, and through flipping the script on the genre of horror, the film challenges stereotypes about aging and highlights the importance of social connection and cultural participation. The screening will also be followed by an in-person, interactive panel conversation including director Sean Cisterna and age studies scholar Dr. Julia Henderson and moderated by Dr. Kirsty Johnston — Professor and Head of UBC’s Department of Theatre and Film. Register here.
Together, these films explore themes of creativity, inclusion, social connection, and lifelong engagement — values that closely align with the Centre’s mission to support wellbeing, dignity, and opportunity across the aging journey. By showcasing older adults as innovators, artists, and advocates, the screenings aim to spark dialogue about ageism, representation, and the many ways people continue to shape society at every stage of life.