Originally from Sweden, Kevin is an LA based cinematographer. He received his BA in TV, Film & New Media from San Diego State and is currently Masters Fellow in Cinematography at AFI. The story of Shangri-La spoke to him as he spent much of his childhood in the retirement home where is mother worked. Joe’s story reminds him of the privilege he had being around an older generation when he was young.
A LA and Shanghai based Production Designer, Skye finds fulfillment in character driven narratives. Eager for more cinematic adventures, she delights in crafting the worlds that unfold within the stories she brings to life, from hardy reality to adventurous fantasy. Skye is excited to create a world that embraces the love and beauty that sustains the youthfulness and vitality of the inhabitants of the Shangri-La nursing home.
Driven by experimental storytelling and rich narratives, Manny has always had a knack for telling unique stories in unique ways. His favorite films are the ones that bring out the transcendence and growth experienced in everyday life. Manny has recently premiered his debut feature, Understory, which he co-directed and edited. Manny’s interests led him to become deeply interested in Shangri-La’s moving story and capacity for ripe experimentation.
I was always excited to see my Grandpa Joe.
He had wanted to be an artist, so he really encouraged my creative side. The way Joe told stories; I knew he was the same guy when he was young. He would say ‘You remind me of how I was,’ so I thought, ‘when I grow up, I’ll be like Grandpa.’ I still feel that way.
Before he moved into a ‘home,’ he would do all the things he loved; swim, make art and visit loved ones. Even though he didn't stop loving those things, in the home, he had to adapt. Older people are often made to adapt in ways they don't necessarily choose, and I think this is where the disconnect with younger people starts. Since we haven't experienced it yet, it's hard to imagine ourselves as old.
I was always excited to see my Grandpa Joe. He had wanted to be an artist, so he really encouraged my creative side. The way Joe told stories; I knew he was the same guy when he was young. He would say ‘You remind me of how I was,’ so I thought, ‘when I grow up, I’ll be like Grandpa.’ I still feel that way.
Before he moved into a ‘home,’ he would do all the things he loved; swim, make art and visit loved ones. Even though he didn't stop loving those things, in the home, he had to adapt. Older people are often made to adapt in ways they don't necessarily choose, and I think this is where the disconnect with younger people starts. Since we haven't experienced it yet, it's hard to imagine ourselves as old.
I was glad when Joe became infatuated with a resident. I didn’t think people in their nineties still wanted sex. I felt guilty not visiting him more often, but when I did, I connected with his stories because they were all about gossip and romance - just like in high school. This I related to. I realized that when I’m old, I’ll still love and want the same things. I’ll still be the same person I am now... just older.
While researching for this project I was invited to lecture about elderly representation in film at senior homes. Elders excitedly shared their stories; including a 95 year old resident who told me, “If you don’t want to grow old, remember to think young and you’ll stay young.” That became my North Star.
I want to tell a story that encourages people to think about their elders, to consider that they might grow up to be just like them, and when that day comes, they’ll be the same people they are now, wanting the same things they always have... they’ll just be a little older.
- Rhys Raiskin
