HALF the proceeds from an Australian film project starring Jane Seymour will go to the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life.
Ruby's Choice tells the story of a woman living alone with early dementia and the impact it has on her and her family when she is no longer able to live independently.
Philanthropist Sir Owen Glenn is funding the film and will donate 50 per cent of profits to the organisation.
Producer and director Michael Budd had originally planned to start shooting in March and the project resumed filming in Sydney in July.
The story is told through the eyes of Ruby's granddaughter, Tash, and aims to show the humanity of dementia.
The film also stars award-winning Australian actress Jacqueline McKenzie and talented young actress Coco Jack Gillies.
Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life founder Jane Verity said the film shared a common message with the initiative.
"Ruby's Choice is about showing the importance of love and compassion, which is also what has drawn Jane Seymour to the role," she said.
Personal connection
Acclaimed actress Jane Seymour is known for her starring role in Dr Quinn Medicine Woman and East of Eden - for which she won a Golden Globe.
She also starred alongside Roger Moore in the James Bond film Live and Let Die.
Seymour signed on for the project because of a personal connection with dementia. In 2014 she served as executive producer on the award-winning documentary film Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me, which told the story of the entertainer dealing with the effects of Alzheimer's disease during his farewell tour.
Philanthropic foundation
The Glenn Family Foundation has donated more than $30 million to community-based projects worldwide.
It has funded essential services such as eye checks, schools, student scholarships, clean water, solar power and improved sanitation.
"Dementia is a growing problem which receives very little attention from the community at large," Sir Owen said.
"It is treated as an embarrassing ailment and sufferers are isolated from family and friends.
"This film is intended to expose our shortcomings and will open up debate on how we should be better coping with and supporting our loved ones from being isolated from society."
For more information about the film, click here.
