Why I decided to produce a documentary film
By: Rianna Patterson
Tags: Documentary, Dementia, Film, Crowdfunding, Mental Health

Photography by Rebecca Douglas

1. I’ve got stories to tell

If you want to leave your legacy and create social impact, you have to tell your story. I’ve had an interesting childhood in Dominica. Telling a story can be a powerful and vulnerable thing to do.

My story requires me to be vulnerable and what better way to tell a story if not through film? The death of my grandfather changed my life. I had to experience him being hospitalized and watch him forget who he was and who I am. I studied for my final exams at the hospital, I was hardly at home anymore. I was 16, trying to make sense of it all. In that moment I felt so helpless and frustrated. An experience like that will change you forever.

A Global Voice

I don’t want to only tell my story. I want to help other people share their stories, people from the Caribbean and the world by extension. I am creating a platform where people feel comfortable telling their story. These stories will be a call to action.

I have had a few Dominican families approach me to share their gratitude for this project. Some have come forward to be apart from this documentary because they see the need to amplify these stories.

2. The Stigma towards mental health still exists

The Stigma towards ageing is still present. This is what gets me up in the morning, this is what fuels me to produce content on social media to spread awareness. I have dedicated my life and developed a brand to champion this cause.

I have seen articles where there is stigmatized language used to describe research insights (see image below). This is a concern because we need information that is in it’s truest form. Using negative language contributes to the stigma of mental health

We are an ageing population, we are in the middle of a global pandemic. This causes concern for other emerging health complications.

There is still no cure for Dementia so it is vital that we are presented with the right information. The media has an impact on our thoughts and behaviors. We are a reflection of what we consume. Our perspectives towards mental health has a social element to it.

3. I probably shouldn’t give up on idea that I thought about for months

I have thought long and hard about this idea since November 2019, we are now in November 2020. The question I had to ask myself is how long am I going to continue thinking about this idea of mine?

This frequent thought now became a goal, a passion even. The trick is to think it into existence but also work towards it. I started gathering all the contacts and knowledge I can find online. I started to make connections in the industry so I can see this idea through because if this goes well it is going to be bigger than me. It’s not just a film, it is a movement and the sooner I understand that, the clearer the vision became.

If you can’t stop thinking about it, if you are losing sleep over this dream then it’s worth it.

4. I want to try something new

I’m a creative person and it’s a side of me I should use more often. Now I can combine my two passions.

I am going to be real with you, my degree has drained me. In my final year I started to dislike the thought of psychology and it’s theories. For now it’s best to do fields that allows me to use my psychology knowledge but also use other existing skills like innovation and creativity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZ6abct9Fl4&feature=youtu.be

The documentary is not just a film, it is a global movement not only featuring Dominica but other Caribbean Islands such as Barbados.

I have spoken to representatives in Barbados, St.Lucia and Jamaica as I will use this film as a model for research.

There is a need because we are an ageing population, we are evolving. COVID in itself has evolved since it’s inception. Now is an integral time for ACTION.

Contribute to the crowdfunder on 👉 Buy Me a Coffee

I don’t need to raise the expected budget to go forward with this project, I would need a minimum of £2000-£7000, however the scale of this project would be greatly reduced.

Join the #dementiaislandjourney, a global champion to change the narrative on black mental health.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CH769HlFPil/