Experiencing Interruptions?

Elsewhere

Alice has Alzheimer's, her husband Jim died in 2001. ELSEWHERE is a 2-part film that documents the filmmaker’s attempt to connect with her parents, and imagine where they are in their absence.

  • Lynda Hall
    Director
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    12 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 20, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Output 2019 |New Works by SAW Video Grantees
    Ottawa
    Canada
    June 20, 2019
    World Premiere
Director Biography - Lynda Hall

Lynda Hall completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of Ottawa, and studied video production at SAW Video.

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Director Statement

"What is it like to be my mom?" That was the question that started this project.

Watching Alzheimer's claim memory, then language, then the mechanics of eating, speaking and eventually breathing, is the view from the outside. But what does she experience? Where does she go when her mind no longer finds it place in the present? And how does her blindness intensify her disconnection?

The second part of the film touches on the next level of absence - the permanent absence created by death. Without the comfort of a belief system that answers the question of the hereafter, I struggle to understand how I can still feel so connected to my father Jim, who died 17 years ago. How can he be so present, when his absence is so complete?

This film weaves together 8mm home movies shot by Alice, an audio recording of Jim from an old cassette, and new digital video and audio recordings. My daughter Hannah co-edited this film of her grandparents, making this film a collaboration of sorts, between three generations. This is our first film.