SILVER SCREAMERS Review: A Documentary With Heart And A Pension
Silver Screamers is now streaming on Bloodstream from The Horror Collective.
Silver Screamers is a heartwarming and inspiring documentary about a group of senior citizens coming together to make a short indie horror film called The Rug. The project was conceived when Canadian filmmaker Sean Cisterna was struggling to find financing for his next movie and learned of funding that was available for projects that would get seniors out and active in the community.
This discovery inspired Sean to secure the funds he needed by making his next film entirely with seniors. That meant all aspects of the production of The Rug including art design, special effects, make up, cinematography, props, wardrobe, sound, and assistant director were all handled by senior citizens, many of whom were learning the task they were chosen to perform for the first time. It’s a charming and at times funny story of people trying new things and making new friends in the late stages of their lives.
The film is inspiring not just because of its DIY filmmaking spirit, but because it’s moving to see a group or elderly people come together to try something new and it challenges stereotypes about older people being set in their ways. Many of the seniors chosen to work on the film are not even fans of the horror genre. For some it’s a chance to fulfill a dream to work on a movie while for others it is an opportunity to get out and live in their twilight years or help them deal with loneliness after the loss of their spouse. They are trained and shadowed by professional mentors brought in to assist the seniors on their journey.
The doc focuses on a few key members of the production, many of whom have personal journeys worthy of their own documentary. Audrey challenges herself to learn sound recording in her 90’s. Sonny Lauzon gets the chance to once again get involved in video production as cinematographer after a heart attack robbed him of the opportunity years ago. Bari-Lynne Butters, who worked on Prom Night, gets to take on an even bigger role as the assistant director on The Rug. The strong willed Lucia Paterra Catania, the production designer who picked up painting late in life, is a stand out with a big personality and is a source of numerous endearing sound bites & wisdom throughout. David Swift is challenged with using his background in puppetry from his youth to bring the killer rug from their short to life, and it’s endearing to see Diane Ament apply her background in make up to the grizzly gore effects for the movie.
It’s uplifting to see the seniors’ journey and how transformative the experience is for them. It speaks to the power of community and art– how this group of strangers can come together for the experience of a lifetime. In the beginning, many of them are nervous and uncertain about the process and roles they have committed to. By the time The Rug premiers to a large supportive audience, you can see the joy and pride they have in what they have accomplished. Silver Screams serves as a great reminder it’s never too late to try something new or chase your dreams!
Passionate genre film enthusiast
I don't believe in guilty pleasures
