April 23, 2002

'Sweet Memories' Film Festival Benefits Alzeimer's Research

When someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, family members often feel overwhelmed and afraid. Soon after Susan Randall’s mother was diagnosed, she and her sisters watched a touching and funny documentary and found it helped them begin to discuss their emotions and situation. “Watching a movie was where we could start talking about it, based on someone else’s experiences,” said Randall. “Film brings us to awareness in a different way.”

Randall, assistant director of University Television Productions at Boise State University, along with other members of the Alzheimer’s Association, Oregon-Greater Idaho chapter, has created a film festival to reach out to the community, making them aware of valuable resources.

“Sweet Memories,” a film festival benefiting Alzheimer’s disease research, will feature three award-winning short films, a variety of decadent desserts, and opportunities for people touched by Alzheimer’s to share stories and information. The festival will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, in the Bishop Barnwell Room at the Boise State Student Union. A $10 donation at the door is suggested.

Donations will go to “A Ride to Remember,” the Alzheimer’s Association, Oregon-Greater Idaho chapter’s fundraising bike ride from Boise to Portland on July 7-13. Proceeds are earmarked for research in Idaho and Oregon.

With wit and artistry, three films will offer glimpses into lives of people with Alzheimer’s and their families. In “Erased,” Jay Rosenstein overlays his mother’s answering machine messages with home movies. Claudia Myers’ film “Buddy and Grace” portrays the enduring love of an elderly man and his wife, who suffers from the disease. Oscar-nominated

“Complaints of a Dutiful Daughter” is a sweet and funny documentary by Deborah Hoffmann, whose mother has Alzheimer’s.

After the second film, Joan Dashiel, regional director of the Idaho/Oregon chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will facilitate a discussion for people whose families are affected by the disease. Dessert will be ongoing throughout the films and discussion. Additionally, volunteers from the Alzheimer’s Association and an early-onset Alzheimer’s group will staff a table to answer questions and provide information.

“Sweet Memories” is presented by Boise State University Television Productions, with support from the Alzheimer’s Association, Oregon-Greater Idaho chapter; Best Bath Company, Organon, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, A Ride to Remember and Boise State University. For more information, call 426-3468. For more information about A Ride to Remember call Bev Pressman at 362-4828.