Personal Experiences Of Dementia Sought For Isle Of Wight Filmmaker

An Isle of Wight filmmaker is raising money to make a film which is based on his personal experiences surrounding Alzheimer's and Dementia.

Jasper Rouse is basing 'Meet Me Where I Am' on his own experiences with his Grandparents who had the disease, which he said was "really difficult" for him growing up.

In a bid to ensure it is a 'community project' Jasper is urging Islanders to share their personal experiences of Dementia and Alzheimer’s with him.

Isle of Wight Radio understands a recognisable actor who has previously starred in Hollywood films will be in the film.

It will be premiered first on the Isle of Wight and given to care homes and Island charities - for educational purposes.

Speaking exclusively to Isle of Wight Radio, Jasper said:

“I have always said you should write about what you know which I think is true...I spoke to a lot of people and I think a lot of people have these problems and go through these issues so it is also a really nice way of sharing this kind of struggle for people going through it.

“I know 3,000 people on the Isle of Wight alone are diagnosed with Alzheimer's and dementia so we are not alone.”

£2,000 has been raised for the film - but Jasper hopes to reach the £4,000 target so it can definitely go ahead.

He said:

“We have already raised about £2,000 through incredible donations from friends and family and lots of Islanders so we are about halfway there. We need £4,000 in total to get it done, but we are just looking for a kind of grassroots movement where they chip in where they can but if they can't then they can share us or like us on Instagram or Twitter.”

Nicola Attfield, Head of Development at Age UK Isle of Wight said:

“Jasper’s script ‘Meet me where I am’ is very moving and beautifully captures the highs and lows of living with dementia for the individual and their family. We want to support the making of this short film as we believe it could offer great insight to dementia and help people come to terms with such a diagnosis.

"We hope to work with Jasper and his crew to hold a screening on the Island to support the work of Age UK IW and celebrate local talent and achievement."

What is it about?

'Meet Me Where I Am' is the story of a despondent man struggling to cope with his mother’s Alzheimer’s. He feels guilty for not visiting her more but seeing his mother in such a way; lost, confused, and unable to recognise him, is distressing.

As he spends more time with her, he finds that trying to ignore the disease only leads to more pain. It is only when he learns to accept her condition, rather than trying to fight it, that he can reconnect with what still remains of her; her smile, her warmth, and undoubtedly, her undying love for him.

You can also email your experiences to Jasper at [email protected]

You can donate to the film's production team here.