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Birds of Massachusetts is a narrative feature film based on the novella of the same name. Produced by Emmy-nominated People People Media and VAGRANTS. Slated for production fall of 2023.

SYNOPSIS:

Told across three seasons, Birds of Massachusetts is a dual portrait of unlikely companions. Mark is paid to keep Donna company, though given her deteriorating memory, he must re-establish and re-introduce himself daily. Mark is new to the North Shore, having moved from the West Coast after college. Despite his best attempts, he’s aimless and unable to find connection with anyone in this unfamiliar, beautiful place. So he spends his time watching after Donna, whose dementia seems to worsen with each passing season. Though the two seem to be different in almost every way, together they find beauty in the moments of quiet stillness, shared laughter, and fragmented memories of a long life in the same place.

ABOUT:

This story was heavily inspired by the real-life experience of author Steven Kennedy, who worked as a care partner with an older woman affected by dementia. Our proximity to this issue has only expanded our compassion for it. This disease not only impacts the person whose mind is deteriorating, it impacts their care partner. And the number of those diagnosed is projected to triple by 2050. Many films made about dementia get it wrong — when Hollywood attempts to portray affected folks, it’s either offensive given the disease is played for horror, or it misses the mark because the film glosses over / glamorizes the issue. Writers not familiar with the disease tend to reduce it to a device in service of their preconceived plot. We as filmmakers exist to fight against reductive filmmaking. Thus far, we’ve partnered with organizations like Alzheimer’s San Diego and Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers who have graciously agreed to be a resource and advisory presence throughout the process. Upon the film’s release, we’ll be organizing community screening / Q&A discussion events with Alzheimer’s nonprofits across the country to generate awareness.

Our greatest hope is to make a heartwarming, life-affirming film — one that authentically represents the day-to-day realities of not only living with dementia, but living with a loved one affected by it. Humanizing the disease through quality storytelling is a good place to start.