What is My Mama Joe, Hope & Help, and how did it come to be?
My Mama Joe, Hope & Help is a documentary film that explores the story of a woman known for being a champion in the community and a helper to others, who ends up needing the help and care from others as a result of Alzheimer’s disease.
As a 60-year-old Black woman, the titular character (my mother) met the 3 highest levels of risk for dementia (age, sex, and race). Integrated with the personal narrative is evidence-based guidance from more than 30 subject matter experts.
At just under an hour, and formatted for public media, My Mama Joe, Hope & Help is meant to be both informative and inspirational. By sharing the personal story of our beloved Mama Joe, my family, partners, and I wanted others to know they are not alone in the dementia and caregiving journey.
It was also important that the documentary serve as an educational tool. So integrated with the narrative of my mother are appearances from practitioners, researchers, and thought leaders representing AARP, Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging, Alzheimer’s Association, Harvard, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among others. Having these subject-matter experts included to provide evidence-based guidance and tips was critical to centering the story as a means to also provide education and inspiration, which includes prevention strategies, resources for caregivers, and opportunities for participation in research.
What initially inspired you to grapple with dementia?
For me, the impetus to start the film was a divine instruction. Cognitive decline of an esteemed loved one is not a subject that most of us are chomping at the bit to explore or discuss. The level of vulnerability is elevated when you make the journey available for public viewing in the form of a film. Ultimately, our goal is to help others who may be on a similar journey, so we’re thankful to have a film and forum that is having a positive impact on others.
How has working on dementia-related art changed you?
I’ve always been creative, mostly as a musician and producer for local and regional gospel artists. I’ve also been involved in short-form video production. This film is my second feature-length piece, but the first to garner interest beyond the local market.
Whether music, film, or corporate training video, I’ve always been a storyteller. This project has opened my eyes to the power of storytelling and film to impact education, health care, and family connections.
I’m a sociologist by training, but I was previously unaware of what dementia is and the dynamics of aging and caregiving. Producing this film has been educational and has shifted my efforts into a place of advocacy.
How has My Mama Joe, Hope & Help been received?
Mama Joe was an amazing person whose story and giving spirit resonate with almost everyone. We’ve received amazing feedback from those who have seen the film on PBS and public media platforms, as well as those who see My Mama Joe, Hope & Help as part of our in-person outreach events called Community Engagement Forums.
Community Engagement Forums take place around the country, with a few each month that reach out to communities to stream the film, host a Q&A with a panel of experts, and provide educational resources. They are free and appropriate for all ages and audiences. The goal is for attendees to better connect with information, resources, and social networks for improved health and quality of life.
Caregivers and those navigating dementia easily relate to the themes of the documentary, and seeing the film often validates their own experiences and journey. Because there are so many experts and thought leaders, the film is a learning experience for those who have no personal connection to dementia.
Ultimately, it’s the power of the story, the sense of family and community that keeps the viewer drawn in.
This work is dedicated to: The film is not dedicated to anyone in particular, but it certainly honors my mother and keeps her legacy of helping others to be visible.
Find more from the Mama Joe Project on the web. Navigate to the “Events” tab to see a current listing of upcoming Community Engagement Forums.
