What is Five More Minutes and how do you hope it’s received by the dementia community?
Five More Minutes, from False Take Films, is a short film exploring the mind and memories of a woman living with dementia. The film is inspired by my family’s experience with my grandfather, Paul’s, dementia journey. Paul has been living with dementia for nearly a decade. The film is currently in preproduction with production slated to begin in early summer 2025. I am hoping the film helps those who care for loved ones living with dementia, and gives them hope that their loved one still has one great day to look back on when they are at their worst.
What inspired you to create Five More Minutes?
Five More Minutes was inspired by an interaction I had with my daughter, Sophia, after visiting my grandfather, who has been living with dementia for nearly a decade. She asked me “where he goes” when he stops talking to us and shuts down.
A phenomenal question, and one that I didn’t have an immediate answer to. I gave that question some thought over the next few weeks, and this story slowly began to take shape in my mind. I wanted to give her hope that Grandpa Paul wasn’t afraid when this happened to me. That he had a safe place to visit in his mind when he couldn’t communicate with us in person. And so, I developed the story of a young girl who has the perfect summer day. Her imagination runs wild with her friends, she eats her favorite foods, and spends quality time with her mother before she eventually realizes she cannot stay. I thought the story centering around a young girl instead of a young boy would make it more relatable to Sophia and help her more. Regardless of the truth of that concept, it brought me comfort. And I think it brought Sophia comfort as well. And I realized that if it could help us, then it could likely help a multitude of others in similar situations.
How has working on dementia-related art changed you?
My outlook on dementia was initially very negative and doom-fueled. I would see my grandfather in his worst state and feel nothing but sorrow and sadness. In working on this piece, I have found hope that even at his worst, he can still remember some of his best. Even if this take on the disease isn’t perfectly accurate, it has given me comfort when I need it.
This work is dedicated to: my grandfather, Paul Sheldon.
Find more from Cole J. Sheldon at falsetakefilms.com, and on Instagram @colejsheldon and @falsetakefilms. For up-to-date information on the film and Paul & Sophia’s story, head to falsetakefilms.com/five-more-minutes and sign up for our mailing list! With your partnership, we will be able to create a loving tribute to Paul and the countless others around the world living with this disease. And, hopefully, help their loved ones find a bit more hope.
