Experiencing Interruptions?

HUM

A struggling musician is given the opportunity to compose a hit single for the largest record label in the world, but his grandfather who has dementia keeps getting in the way of his creative process.

  • Jerome Skeete
    Director
  • Philip Leung
    Director
  • Jerome Skeete
    Writer
  • Philip Leung
    Writer
  • Jerome Skeete
    Producer
  • Philip Leung
    Producer
  • Beth Wong
    Producer
  • Oliver Pigott
    Key Cast
  • Neil Burghard
    Key Cast
  • Rakhee Morzaria
    Key Cast
  • Christina Song
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes 48 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 1, 2015
  • Production Budget:
    33,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED Epic Dragon
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Toronto International Short Film Festival
    Toronto
    November 13, 2015
    North American Premiere
Director Biography - Jerome Skeete, Philip Leung

Jerome has been a writer, producer and director for over eight years and has been fortunate enough to work for people dedicated to producing smart, creative and meaningful programming. His work has been seen on CBC's George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight, TVO and North American film festivals, including The Toronto Internationsl Short Film Festival and TUFF. Jerome holds a a Film & Video BFA from York University.

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Director Statement

Issues concerning the elderly and elder abuse are not represented nearly as much as it should in the media. Both my grandparents have struggled with dementia and it was difficult for me to understand how it was affecting them. How can they not remember me? Where did their frustrations come from? Why did they behave the way they did? 

Dementia is often misunderstood by those who have not personally been affected by it. Sometimes it is even mistaken for mental illness. We believe that it is our responsibility as filmmakers to use our skills to spread awareness and eliminate stereotypes. 

HUM, tells the story of how the power of music transcends the hardships and communication loss from dementia. Our creative team is working with the Alzheimer’s Society of Toronto to depict the disease realistically and respectfully. We have been in consultation with experts, caregivers, and individuals diagnosed with dementia. As our characters discover, music is a tool that connects our memories and our souls. 

We understand dementia in films has already been explored. Still Alice, The Savages, and Away From Her, all deal with dementia from the patient’s point of view. HUM is different. Our film gives light to the experience from the perspective of a young caregiver, which starts the discussion with an underrepresented youth culture. 

HUM is a movie that is poetic, heartfelt and uncomfortable. It is uncompromisingly true. It takes an honest look at a disease that some say is the longest goodbye.