By Christy Byrne Yates, California, USA
We’re thrilled to share highlights from our very first AlzAuthors Film Festival, celebrating 10 years of connecting, educating, and inspiring the dementia community through personal stories and creative projects!
Spotlight Film: “Planet A” by Mary Crescenzo
Our festival kicked off with a truly unique piece: “Planet A,” a play-turned-film by the multi-talented Mary Crescenzo. Mary, an arts educator, singer, writer, and filmmaker, uses poetic storytelling and age-blind casting to open a window into the world of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Her innovative approach explores not only the voices and experiences of those living with dementia, but also the perspectives of caregivers and healthcare workers.
A Story Rooted in Art & Empathy
Mary’s journey began as a young arts educator at a nursing home, where she witnessed both the beauty and challenges of dementia care. Her experiences moved her deeply, inspiring her to develop creative arts programs for people with dementia—programs anyone can use at home to foster joy and connection.
She also authored “The Planet Alzheimer’s Guide: 8 Ways the Arts Can Transform the Life of Your Loved One and Your Own,” making these transformative strategies accessible to all.
From Poetic Monologues to the Big Screen
Mary wrote persona poems to process her work experiences, and these became the backbone of her play and ultimately the film. Rather than following a traditional narrative, the film presents powerful monologues and vignettes, delivered by a diverse, multi-role cast. The result is a collage of voices—moving, honest, and unafraid to show both the “good, the bad, and the ugly.”
Takeaway Tips
- Engagement is Key: The arts can break through isolation and boredom, unlocking communication and joy.
- Anyone Can Do It: You don’t need to be an artist! Try singing, painting, moving, or storytelling together.
- It’s About Connection: Focus on the act itself, not the outcome. Expression matters more than memory.
- Inclusivity Matters: Mary’s work is cast age-blind, and she’s passionate about diversity—dementia affects all communities, and everyone’s story deserves a stage.
What’s Next for Mary? Mary continues to develop creative workshops for caregivers, advocates for the arts in dementia care, and hopes to bring “Planet A” to new platforms and audiences. She’ll also be applying to present internationally and is staying busy as a jazz musician and grandmother!
Don’t Miss Out! If you haven’t yet watched “Planet A,” there’s still time! The festival runs until the end of the year—catch up with this and other inspiring films, and join us for upcoming discussions with fellow filmmakers, caregivers, and advocates.
Register here to get the links for Mary’s film and all the others.
Upcoming Events
- Sept 22: Discussion of Susie Singer Carter’s documentary, “No Country for Old People.”
- October 16: Discussion of Frank Silverstein’s “Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia”
- November & December: Films by Kitty Norton and C. Nathaniel Brown, exploring new angles and stories from the dementia journey.
Stay Connected
- Explore AlzAuthors.com for the latest blogs, podcasts, events, and our shop featuring books, poetry anthologies, and gifts for caregivers.
- Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter/X and Blue Sky for daily support, book recommendations, and community stories.
- Subscribe to our mailing list to never miss an update:
Find out more about Mary Crescenzo
Buy Mary’s book “The Planet Alzheimer’s Guide”
Notes from our Mini-Pod with Susan Ryan of The Caregiver’s Journey™
Susan Ryan, co-founder of The Caregiver’s Journey™ nonprofit and fellow AlzAuthors author, shared about her nonprofit’s mission to support dementia caregivers and the release of their new “Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap”—a free, interactive guide designed to help families through every stage of the caregiving journey.
What’s Covered:
- The inspiration behind The Caregiver’s Journey nonprofit
- Details about the free Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap, including its practical steps and resources
- How the roadmap incorporates hyperlinks and QR codes for easy access to additional support materials and podcast episodes
Resources & Links Mentioned:
- The Caregiver’s Journey Website (free guides, including the roadmap):
- Susan’s AlzAuthors Blog post
- Buy Susan’s book “Our Journey of Love: 5 Steps to Navigate Your Caregiving Journey”
Learn about the Moderators
About the Podcast
AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.
Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.
Thanks for listening.
We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast
Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network
Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org
Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know
We’ve got merch! Shop our Store
