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CARE looks at the realities of the care sector through the eyes of workers and residents
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The film was shot entirely by workers at a North East care home during the COVID-19 pandemic
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CARE’s release comes five years on from the national lockdowns and follows news of the government’s planned care commission
A groundbreaking new documentary exploring the humanity and joy of life in a care home is embarking on a nationwide tour this spring.
CARE, a film focusing on the day-to-day lives of care home residents and workers is set to be released later this month as part of a UK wide, multi-city screening tour.
The tour, which kicks off this April as part of #CelebratingSocialCare Month, will see the film premiered at cinemas and universities across the country, as well as a special online event
Filmed entirely by the staff at a North East care home as it emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, CARE gives a glimpse into the dedication and compassion of the workers that look after some of the most vulnerable and often overlooked people in society.
As well as giving a unique and emotional insight into the lives of care home residents and workers, CARE also raises important questions about how we as a society value older people and those who care for them, and whether there is adequate support for those who bring such commitment and heart to residential care.
The film was produced by Newcastle University, in association with Tongue Tied Films, released with the support of the ESRC, and in partnership with Community Union, British Gerontology Society, Care England and Cosmic Cat Films. The release of CARE is supported by an ESRC IAA grant and Newcastle University.
Alastair Cole, director of CARE, commented: “CARE began as a response to the pandemic, and out of frustration at the overwhelmingly negative representation in the media of residential care in the UK. This was heightened at a time when care home staff, residents and their families were at the coalface of the global crisis.
As a project team, we wanted to bring together our backgrounds in gerontology, media and filmmaking, to try and find a way to work with some of the remarkable staff and residents to help tell another side to this story.
“We knew as soon as the remote camera workshops started we were incredibly fortunate to have found such a brilliant and enthusiastic team to work with in the home. Then when their footage started coming in, it was clear they had a very important story to tell.”
The film’s release, which comes five years after the start of the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, aims to shine a light on not only the commitment of care staff but the realities of working in a sector that is often overlooked and underfunded.
The film also comes in the wake of the news of the UK Government’s planned care commission and reforms, which are not due to begin until 2026 at the earliest.
To find out more about screenings near you, go to https://www.carethefilm.com/.
