Venue: The Great North Museum
Times: Monday – Saturday 10.00 – 17.00, Sunday 14.00 – 17.00
Cost: Free Entry
Is it possible that the loss of memory can be a blessing?
Or to put it differently, does dementia have to be hell?
Documentary filmmaker Martin Hampton took this question as the basis for five months of expansive research. He has created an installation for Northern Lights & Tyneside Cinema in which three very different films interact to suggest an alternative way of thinking about dementia.
The first film explores the life of his sister Jacqueline, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 6 years ago and now lives alone in Provence. In the second film, leading neuroscientists attempt to explain the processes which lead to dementia. The third film presents Doug who at 93 suffers from advanced dementia. Confined to a bed in his daughter’s living room he has to be nursed round-the-clock by his devoted family, who unquestioningly perform this duty with patience and good humour.
Shown together, the films aim to open up a space of discourse which Hampton, who sees the installation as a work in progress, hopes will inform the future direction of the project.
You can meet Martin, see his work in progress and read about his process online every day this week.
Anonymous 
It was a privilege to hear Martin Hampton speak about his research and his approach to making these three fascinating films. The two personal stories, one about Doug, the other Jacqueline, both share the same respect for their subjects. Although each story is different, the “now”ness of their lives was beautifully conveyed. It’s a shame that so few people could be there, but I hope many people will come across these films this week at GNM and they will be shown again in the region. I look forward to seeing the next instalment of Jacqueline’s story.