Filmmaker Sarah Hayes spent a few months with Barbara Smith as she traveled to read her poetry in one venue and to play piano at another. The audio track is from Mrs. Smith's CD, "Barbarina," a collection of original compositions.
See the film “A Poetic Journey” (5:32 min.)
________________________________________________
Filmmaker Kelsey Daddio writes: A bit of wisdom by baseball star Chili Davis advises, “Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.” This describes the spirit of a certain group of women perfectly, a group of women who are growing old, but are still young at heart: The Red Hat Society. Carol Brower, a 62-year-old Newport News resident, has been a member of this group of lovely ladies since 2006. This “Sorority for Seniors” realizes that, as they get older and face hard times, they always have each other.
See the film “Sorority for Seniors” (5:41 min.)
__________________________________________________
Filmmaker Mike Wagner documents the life of a retired Marine and artist, Ed Condra. The film, in two parts, reveals Mike's own conflicting passions. On one side (Part 1), he tells Ed’s story in almost a mathematical fashion, an ‘all-facts-thank-you-ma’am’ way with a drive that one finds in most expose journalists. However, in Part 2, Mike also allows his creativity to flourish, sometimes subtly and sometimes not.
See Part 1 of the film “Making Roll Call” (4:06 min.)


See Part 2 of the film “Making Roll Call” (3:52 min.)
__________________________________________________
Filmmaker Kelsi Ponton’s documentary is a portrait of Gordon Leaf, a man who has seen, done and lost a lot in his life. It allows for a glimpse into the life of this brave individual who lives day to day with only his memories to keep him company. Gordon’s life has not always been an easy one, but he has found the strength to carry on everyday full of excitement and enthusiasm as best he can. This portrait not only shows the fun side of Gordon, but also the personal side where his past is revealed. This documentary shows that even in old age, the accomplishments of the younger self can give one the acceptance of what comes at them and the strength to push on.
See the film “A Portrait of Gordon Leaf” (6:37 min.)
__________________________________________________
In her own words, she is an "independent cuss." She is vivacious, sarcastic and chooses to live her life in a state of perpetual motion. She keeps herself constantly surrounded by close friends, though most of them can’t keep up with her. She may be 86 years old, but she doesn’t act half that. Her name is Audrey Poole. Audrey is a native of of Gloucester, Va. She has spent her life as a sister, mother, daughter, wife, friend, grandmother, and now, great-grandmother. She busies herself every day, setting up for the morning coffee social at the Hidenwood, tending to her bountiful garden, winning quarters during prize bingo and practicing the art of yoga. She rarely takes a moment to stop and rest, but that is how she prefers to live. It is close to impossible to catch her on the phone, because she does not stay in one spot long enough to answer it. She is the kind of person who has been like this her entire life, which is why she has so much to tell. Going non-stop for 86 years has given her the chance to pick up a lot of stories and know happiness along the way. Her stories are funny, charming and inspiring and help redefine what it means to grow older.
See Corrie Mitchell’s film “The Way I live” (7:35 min.)
__________________________________________________
Documentarian Sara Brooks quickly developed a strong bond with Mary Fletcher, a life-long journal keeper. Here, Sara helps Mary share some of her life's tribulations and triumphs. Sara is hoping to eventually collaborate with Mary in creating a volume that will provide a deeper look into Mary's life.
See the film “A Journey Through Life” (8:31 min.)
__________________________________________________
Filmmaker Kira Munger documents Emily’s life and showcases her place in history using both video footage and photography. She hopes to provide an overview of the qualities that have defined Emily, as well as those that have shaped her into the person she is today. In turn, she hopes that her documentary project will shed a new light on the elderly in general.
See the film “A Never-Ending Journey Through Life” (5:32 min.)

__________________________________________________

Jesse Simoson’s wife, Mary Virginia, passed away during the four-month period in which Andy Cason made this documentary film. Jesse reflects on his wife and their life together, on death, and on the often-overlooked meaning of the Twenty-third Psalm. See the film “Where’s Jesse?” (Film length—8:07). Andy’s partner in the documentary project, Brittany Benson, wrote a narrative story about Jesse. To read that story, click here.
__________________________________________________


This film by Victoria Shirley profiles an adult daycare center and the participants who spend all or part of their weekdays there. The Riverside P.A.C.E. center—Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly—in Hampton, Va., attends to the social, emotional and medical needs of its participants. Officials and participants, including those at a roundtable discussion on death, are featured. See the film.
__________________________________________________

Adam Elmallouli profiles Clarence Herbert, an optimist and ‘good heart.’ Clarence is a participant in an adult daycare program at Riverside’s P.A.C.E. center in Hampton, Va.—Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly. See the film “Good Hearts.” (Film length—4:21).
__________________________________________________

Jean Williams learned from her husband, now deceased, that she could do anything. But when her adult daughter passed away, she couldn't help but question God's timing . Part 1 of the interview in the film “Full Bloom,” by Amber Whitney. (Film length—7:46)
__________________________________________________

"How do you do everything that you do?" Jean Williams' friends ask. And, it's true, she says: You feel the same way in old age as you feel when you're younger. Part 2 of the interview in the film “Life Lessons,” by Amber Whitney. (Film length—6:05)
__________________________________________________

Mo & Jack Scudder have traveled widely in their long marriage, entertaining in their band in Europe. After Jack's career in the Army, the couple settled in Newport News, Va., where they live one day at a time. See the film “And the Beat Goes On,” by Billy Fellin and Laura McGrath.
Film length—5:05
__________________________________________________



“Old and in Love” is a series of five films by Cathy Creegan exploring love and marriage in the lives of three couples, each married fifty or more years. Select a film to view.

__________________________________________________

”Touched by the Master’s Hands,” a soundslide show—photographs and an audio interview—with Eleanor and Bascom Hudson. “I never thought I’d marry anybody,” Eleanor says about the time after losing her first husband. “He knew my husband; I knew his wife. But here we are.” Photographs and interviews by Heidi Naylor and Ryan Kelly. Show length—4:03. See the show. To see a short film (3:13) of the authors visiting Mrs. Hudson some eighteen months after the project, click here.