AlzAuthors 10th Anniversary Film Festival: Spotlight on “No Country for Old People”

Oct 01, 2025 11:01 am

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Hello ,

Thank you for joining us and being part of our community dedicated to sharing heartfelt stories and resources about Alzheimer’s, dementia, and caregiving.

We recently hosted an insightful discussion with award-winning filmmaker Susie Singer Carter about her groundbreaking docuseries, No Country for Old People, the second film in our series. Susie’s film draws from her deeply personal and challenging journey advocating for her mother in a five-star nursing home in Los Angeles. Her mission is to shine a light on the systemic issues in long-term care and to spark meaningful change.

Listen to podcast and read blog post!

Watch on YouTube!

Key Highlights:

The Power of Storytelling: Susie’s film was described by our audience as “horrifying,” “eye opening,” and “poignant”—echoing the real and raw experiences reflected in it. Many joined the conversation to share their own personal and professional encounters with dementia care facilities.
Facing the Systemic Crisis: The conversation addressed the long-standing problems in long-term care—chiefly, understaffing and undertraining—that impact the quality of life for residents and leave families feeling helpless. Susie emphasized that these aren’t isolated issues but part of a nationwide systemic problem that urgently needs reform.
Caregiving Realities: The group shared candidly about the loneliness, guilt, and unrelenting pressure that caregivers often face. Discussion touched on the misconception that moving a loved one to a care facility ends the hard work—when in fact advocacy is needed more than ever.
Why Films & Books Matter: Both Susie and host Marianne Sciucco highlighted that films and books are change-makers, not money makers. By sharing their stories, creators hope to build awareness and community—helping others feel less alone on their journeys.
Introducing the ROAR Movement: Susie announced the formation of ROAR (Respect, Oversight, Advocacy, and Reform), a new movement and 501c3 organization dedicated to reforming long-term care, advocating for residents and families, and demanding transparency and accountability from care institutions.
Action Steps & Support: The discussion underscored the importance of sharing information, supporting each other, and using our collective voices to demand better care for elders.

Upcoming Events:

Don’t miss our next film festival event on October 6th featuring Frank Silverstein’s short film, Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia. Watch the film ahead of time and join us for a powerful follow-up discussion!

Join film discussion here: Zoom link for meeting.

Stay Connected

Visit AlzAuthors.com for the latest books, podcasts, and resources. Follow us on all social media platforms for daily support and tips. To receive updates, subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter.

Remember:

You’re not alone. As Marianne reminded us: "One can sing a lonely song, but we chose to form a choir and create harmony." Thank you for singing with us.

Here's the Lineup to the Whole Festival

Get all the details on the blog.

September:

Planet A by Mary Crescenzo—A poetic, theatrical journey into the world of Alzheimer’s, bringing real voices and experiences to the stage and screen. 112 minutes. Free on YouTube .

No Country for Old People by Susie Singer Carter—A riveting, three-part investigative documentary (as seen on Amazon Prime) exposing the challenges of memory care facilities. We're viewing Part One. 118 minutes.

Part 1 free on Vimeo

Please watch Parts 2 & 3 on Amazon Prime Video, $4.99

October:

Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia by Frank Silverstein—A heartfelt short film capturing the loving but difficult realities of caregiving for two parents with dementia. 15 minutes. $3.99 on Terra Nova Films

Film discussion: October 6, 2 pm EDT via Zoom

November:

Wine, Women and Dementia by Kitty Norton—Join Kitty as she travels cross-country to meet other caregivers, forming community and sharing laughter, tears, and hard-earned wisdom. 127 minutes. A PBS Exclusive one-hour version is now playing on local PBS stations around the U.S. Check here to see if it's playing in your area. From November 1 through November 30, the full-length feature (87 minutes) uncut and uncensored with more caregiver tales(!) than the PBS exclusive 1-hour version will be exclusively available to film festival viewers on Eventive for just $6. Get it here.

Film discussion: November 10, 2 pm EST via Zoom

December:

The Present by C. Nathan Brown—A moving family drama about navigating grief and togetherness after losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s. 21 minutes.

Free on YouTube.

Film discussion: December 8, 2 pm EST via Zoom

Please rate, review, and recommend all of the films wherever you view them.

Be sure to watch the films prior to attending the discussions! We will NOT be showing the films during the meetings. The film series is designed for you to watch the film at a convenient time for you and then to gather together at an appointed time for the discussion.

Please share this email with everyone you know in Dementia World, especially caregivers who may be looking for valuable information and inspiration for their caregiving journeys.

More from AlzAuthors

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter/X and Blue Sky for caregiver tips, info and inspiration
Check out our book collection with 400+ carefully vetted titles
Listen to the Podcast
Watch us on YouTube

Let’s gather together for this inspiring series, learn from each other, and celebrate a decade of stories that matter. Please forward this email to friends, family, and anyone who would enjoy these important films.

Questions? Hit reply to this email.

Thanks to our friends who have supported this event on their podcasts and blogs:

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Take a Chance on Our 10th Anniversary Book Giveaway!

We’ve still got books to give away!

Winners selected monthly!

Watch your email inbox for notification!

Enter once to win all year.

Enter now!

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We have so much to learn …

Friday, Oct. 10, at 11 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. ET: Join us for a live talk with educator and creative entrepreneur Laura Tobi as she reflects on her journey with Alzheimer’s and epilepsy. Drawing on her lifelong passion for learning and creativity, Tobi integrates evidence-based lifestyle changes alongside Leqembi infusions. She continues to find meaning through teaching, volunteering, theater improvisation, and creating art in her studio. In this conversation, she will share how caregiving, creativity, and community sustain her.

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 10, at 11 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. ET

WHERE: Being Patient’s Facebook page

RSVP

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Thank you.

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Let's keep connected ...

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Our mission is to provide quality resources for those concerned with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Please help by connecting with us in at least one new way this week:

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connect caregivers with resources.

Your Management Team

L to R: Vicki Tapia, Ann Campanella, Christy Byrne Yates,

Marianne Sciucco, Susan Landeis, and Jean Lee

How to reach us:

Marianne Sciucco: podcast host/producer

mariannesciucco@gmail.com

Jean Lee: acquisitions editor, Custom Caregiver Collections

jean@alzheimersdaughter.com

Vicki Tapia: acquisitions editor, children's books

vicki.tapia@gmail.com

Ann Campanella: Custom Caregiver Collections

anncampanella@gmail.com

Susan Landeis: Custom Caregiver Collections

contact@susanlandeis.com

Christy Byrne Yates: podcast host/producer, YouTube channel manager

christy@cbyates.com

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