Extraordinary Times © Amanda Jobson

Extraordinary Times: A film about women in an ageing society

Extraordinary Times is a community documentary film about women in their eighties and nineties, living in Hastings and St Leonards. These vibrant women share incredible stories in which they are still enjoying life’s adventures. Tracy Jones explains more about this exciting project.

The idea for the documentary came about when Su Warren, having met an inspirational neighbour in her nineties, became passionate about the importance of challenging current attitudes to ageing and celebrating women ageing today. The resulting film explores six women’s stories from the past and the richness of their lives today. These wonderful women were keen to prove that life is to be lived to the full at any age.

The film will premier at Hastings Museum and Art Gallery for the starring women, their families and everyone else who has made the film possible on Sunday 22 September but will be available for the public to view free at the Jerwood Gallery Hastings, on 1 October between 4.15pm and 8pm. The film will be shown in the studio which can seat up to 35 people, it lasts for approximately 30 minutes and will run on a continuous loop.

If you are unable to make it to the Jerwood Gallery then we are giving away free DVDs of the film to local clubs, organisations and individuals. If you’d like a copy or are interested in showing the film to your local group do get in touch. We’ll be posting regular updates about the film’s release and photographs on our facebook page, so contact us there or Su Warren directly at suwarren27@gmail.com.

The film was made possible through the generous support of its sponsors, local organisations, businesses and individuals, and the talented and committed team of local creatives, who volunteered their time and skills to make it happen. Namely Sin Bozkurt, Sineid Codd, Alex Corder, Amanda Jobson, Tracy Jones and Mauricio Vincenzi.

Extraordinary Times was conceived, directed and produced by Su Warren in collaboration with the women, to share and document their lives.

Sponsored by: The Isabel Blackman Foundation; Hastings Borough Council Seniors Small Grants; and The Hastings Lions Club.

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