THIRD ACTion Film Festival strikes an age-positive chord

United has expanded its partnership with Calgary’s THIRD ACTion Film Festival, which celebrates aging and older adults, with the goal of establishing a culture shift in the way we view older adults.

The festival, now in its fifth year, will be held for three days starting June 10. Read more about the festival and its origins here.

The festival’s name refers to the “third act” of life, or essentially the last three decades. Executive director Mitzi Murray started the festival as a way to fight ageism. “Ageism is so engrained in our society. It is subtle but so pervasive in all age groups. It even affects how older adults see themselves and their place in society. The films in the festival aim to bring attention to that, but also speak to the positive aspects of aging.”

This year, the festival is introducing two interactive features. United’s residents have created snippits of wisdom to hang on a wisdom tree at the festival. Festival attendees can visit the wisdom tree and share their thoughts to hang on the tree. This collective wisdom will be compiled after the festival and shared over social media and used in other projects.

“Buy the best you can afford and take care of it,” said resident Diane Jongeling. Her father gave her this tidbit of wisdom, which she has never forgotten. “My father was a hard worker and put his values on not owing anything to anyone. I’ve lived with that advice and so have my children.”

“Will the ‘new’ normal ever be normal again?” wrote resident Libby Roth. She wonders whether the normal she grew up with will ever return. “What we are experiencing today is not the normal I grew up with.”

“Enjoy every day. Life is short.” Good advice from resident Helen Gerlitz. “I really think you have to enjoy every day of your life. I really do.”

A wisdom bench has also been created where attendees can sit with a volunteer to share their insights on aging or discuss one of the festival’s films. 

This year’s festival received 170 film submissions from around the world. The films focus on a wide variety of topics including age positivity and ageism, work, housing, sexuality, death and grieving.

The festival takes place June 10-12 with in-person screenings at the Central Library being simulcast online. The schedule of films and links to buy tickets are available here.

Photos and videos by Sherana Productions.

Speak with one of our active living advisors about life in a United community. They can arrange tours of our Garrison Green and Fish Creek communities. If you know a friend or family member who could benefit from living in a United community, send them a link to our website or blog, or arrange a future visit. We are happy to help! 

To learn more about life at United’s Fish Creek community, watch this short video.

Or, to find out more about life at United’s Garrison Green, watch this short video.