LONG SHADOWS: STORIES FROM A JEWISH HOME
Exploring three levels of care from the most independent to the most dependent at Melbourne’s biggest Jewish aged care facility, Long Shadows examines the impact of institutionalisation for three survivors and their spouses.
SBS / Melodrama Pictures
First Broadcast: 26th April 2003
Writer, Producer, Director: Kate Hampel
Exec Producer/Co-Writer: Melanie Coombs
Cinematographer: Allan Collins
Editor: Uri Mizrahi
Sound Recordist: Chris Izzard
Additional Sound Recording: Rodney Beuthin, Jock Healy, John Wilkinson
Sound Editing: Uri Mizrahi, Tristan Meredith, Peter Walker
Sound Mixer: Peter Walker
The largest population of Holocaust survivors, per capita, outside Israel lives in Melbourne Australia. These survivors are facing death and terror for the second time. Dementia, memory loss and physical immobility contribute to a splintering of identity. Removed from their homes, families and possessions past horrors come flooding back.
Harold, guides us flamboyantly through this teeming “tower of Babel” that houses up to 600 residents, and through his personal tale of tragedy and love. Evelyne, a child survivor aged 60 suffering bi-polar disorder navigates institutionalisation prematurely when an accident renders her dependent.
And life inside the Dementia Unit for Alzheimer’s sufferer Dora shows how massive sufferers of trauma effects sufferers of dementia and the people who love and care for them. All three stories are peppered with humour, delivered with honesty and underscore the importance of love for survival.
PRESS & RESOURCES
"Occasionally a documentary pops up that focuses on a topic you had not even considered and proves richly rewarding as a result. Long Shadows is such a piece."
Switch On - The Australian
"..the tales here are harrowing and awe inspiring"
As it Happened - The Sydney Morning Herald
"A respectful and moving documentary"
Turn On, Turn Off - The Age
"Holocaust victims face life's final hurdles"
The Age Online
FILM FESTIVAL SCREENINGS
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Detroit International Documentary Festival 2003
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Silverdocs AFI/Discovery Documentary Festival 2003
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Australian International Documentary Conference 2003
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Rhode Island International Film Festival 2003
TEACHING NOTES
WEB LINKS