Guerrilla Granny wins Life in Pictures film competition with Ageless

The film won first prize in the 60-plus category of the competition that encourages people to reflect on society’s views of growing older.

Performance artist Sandy McKendrick, of Beaconsfield, and videographer Ian McGlynn, of South Fremantle, said they had a ball making Ageless, which shows a sassy senior deciding to embrace change and live life to the full after the death of a loved one.

Sandy, who performs at festivals and functions as Guerrilla Granny, incorporated the character in the film.

“The film is about a woman who has lost her husband and lives by herself,” Sandy said. “She is shown visiting the graveside and realising her loved one would want her to live life to the fullest.

“She goes to an op shop and emerges from the change room totally transformed, with a velvet coat and flowers in her hair. 

“She also decorates her mobility scooter, making it into her chariot, and joins the children and teenagers at the local skate park.”

Sandy said the film shows older people can have a lovely connection with the young. “You don’t shut down when you are older, you can still be questioning and have vibrancy and sensuality and a lust for life... We can be wise, mischievous, naughty and strong.”

Sandy said winning was “incredibly unexpected and exciting”.

Seniors and Ageing Minister Mick Murray announced the winners as part of the 2018 Revelation Perth International Film Festival in July.

Zak McGuffie, of North Perth, won the under-17 category for This Is Elizabeth, the story of an 85-year-old woman who attributes much of her good health, strength, flexibility and positive attitude to practising yoga for more than 50 years.

Shirley Beccaria, of Jane Brook, was a winner in the 18-59 years category with Small Steps, a film about Angelo, 88, who had a stroke after a medical procedure and was unable to walk but is now making small steps with the help of physiotherapist Sam.

Last year’s winning films featured at the International Federation on Ageing conference in Toronto.

All can be viewed at revelationfilmfest.org/film-rev-on-demand