Changing the Conversation about Aging: Then and Now in Film

This event is the Center for Gerontology's Fall Aging Insight Forum. It includes a social gathering @ 11:30, a program featuring Michelle LeBrun's documenary film, Optics of Aging @ 12:15-1:15 and a discussion for attendees with the author VIA ZOOM from 1:15 to 2:00pm. It supports the library's vision to empower every voice in our community. The event does this through a screening this recent (2024) award-winning film featuring 6 stories that inspire and empower older adults to live their passions, overcome their challenges, and challenge age-related stereotyping. The event is a prelude to Ageism Awareness Day (October 9, 2026). Following the screening, the author/producer/director, Michelle LeBrun, will join the group via ZOOM to discuss the film. Ms. Le Brun’s interests include media literacy, civic engagement, and empowering young and old alike to analyze media and produce inspiring films that impact social issue conversations. She founded HARKEN! Youth Media in East Los Angeles training underserved, gang-affiliated youth in all aspects of documentary filmmaking to nurture critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills and laterbrough the progam to Providence, RI. She also taught in Lesley University’s Creative Arts in Learning Division, training K–12 teachers in the use of the arts and digital media to deliver the curriculum. Our event is open and important for persons of all ages, races and opinions, as it counters stereotypes of old age and illustrates that those doing the stereotyping are also diminished as they shut themselves off from any vision of a rich and satisfying elderhood. The Center's outreach will begin in early August 2026. It will include community posters, online invitations to the Center for Gerontology's listserv, notice in the Center's triannual newslettter and other community organizations' newsletters. Our light lunch will be sensitive to the library's environment, with selections that contribute to maintaining a clean and healthy environment. In 2025 Optics of Aging was featured at the Utopia Film Festival and 8th Annual Rhode Island Black Film Festival, was nominated for the Montreal Film Festival, and given honorable mention at the Women's International Film and Television Festival. Our event gives members of the Oak Park and surrounding communities a first-time opportunity to gather in community to view and discuss the film with Ms. LeBrun. Since everyone is aging from birth and these stories are vital to everyone's rich and wise aging.