What is Starling Street, and how did it come to be?
Starling Street is a short film that follows Katie Behan, who, in the aftermath of her parents’ death, takes on the responsibility of caring for her sister, Megan, who is living with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (also referred to as young-onset). As the disease progresses, it takes a physical, emotional, and social toll, and Katie is caught between her desire and ability to care for Megan.
The film is created by Christia Crocker (writer and director), Heather Konowal (writer who also plays Megan), Kirsten Milliken, and Laura Faye Smith (who plays Katie).
The story is inspired by the people, caregivers and those living with dementia, whose persistent spirits and resolve propel them forward in their mission. Through the depiction of the daily challenges and experiences of a person living with dementia and their family, Starling Street tells the story of the physical and emotional difficulty of care and the agonizing decision-making process to decide when a professional memory care setting is required.
Who initially inspired you to grapple with dementia?
HK: I helped my parents care for my grandmother, Charlie Mae Ramey, for the last year of her life. I recall an uncomfortable, and, at times, quite funny recurring incident. If Grandma saw anyone smoking, and I mean anyone, she would make a beeline for them, get right up in their face, and say in a quiet, menacing voice, “Yoooouuuu quit it!”
Let me tell you, a 5’3” silver-haired granny getting in your face can be a lot for some people. If I couldn’t cut her off at the pass, I’d have to apologize to the stranger and explain that she had aphasia and dementia. I never encountered anyone who wasn’t understanding about it, but I’m certain no one enjoyed it. I would always have a laugh about it with my folks because, in the midst of those kinds of things, laughter is a salve for a deeply heartbreaking and regularly uncomfortable situation. It’s experiences like this that made me want to shine an artistic light on the experience of caregiving for family members with dementia.
My hope is that Starling Street is a conversation starter that shares the gravity of the caregiving experience, as well as the levity required to navigate it.
How has working on dementia-related art changed you?
CC: Working on dementia-related art has shifted my perspective as a filmmaker from one that was focused almost solely on the artistic process and its reception to one that is inclusive of the desire to be of greater impact and service. There was a distinct point in the making of Starling Street where the motivation shifted, and that shift has rippled through my life in a beautiful way.
How has Starling Street been received?
CC: I am so pleased (and relieved!) to say that Starling Street has been warmly and enthusiastically received by general audiences and those who have lived experience with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Translating the hope, struggle, fear, frustration, and love of caring for a family member with memory loss is a delicate privilege. I’m grateful to say that we have received heartfelt praise from those who have directly lived this experience, as well as the pleasure of several sold-out screenings. It feels great to see the film resonating with people across the board.
What impact does receipt of the Dementia Arts Fellowship have on the project and the work?
CC: Receipt of the Dementia Arts Fellowship is such an incredible honor because it helps bring Starling Street into the community of people living with, and caregiving for, those who have memory loss. The combination of Dementia’s Spring’s grant funds and community connections supports the impact of the film so that we can visit more communities and have meaningful conversations about the challenges and day-to-day life of caregiving for those with memory loss. We all tend to feel better when we have community, and the Dementia Arts Fellowship will help us be a voice of connection and support through the film.
This work is dedicated to: Our family and friends who have lived with and cared for those with memory loss, including Charlie Mae Ramey and family caregivers Charles and Karen Ramey and Ellarae Ramey; Peter Szego, caregiver Cherie Baptiste, and family caregiver Lee Sturtevant; Martin Hines and family caregiver Sue Hines; and Wade Lewis and caregiver Pam Lewis.
Find more from Starling Street and its creators on the web and Instagram.
