Still: Our Brand-New Film!
Still explores the extraordinary potential within the everyday lives of the residents of Lime Court care home, inspired by their personal stories, experiences and passions.
Still powerful and proud. Still sensual and strong. Still elegant and energetic. Still a part of us. They are still here.
Still is a film story created, produced and directed by acclaimed physical theatre company Gecko, as part of the Artists’ Residencies in Care Homes project in partnership with inter-generational charity Magic Me, the UK’s leading inter-generational arts charity.
Still was created in May 2022. Inspired by physical interactions through our previous workshops and R&D phase, and their personal stories elicited in one to one conversations, we decided to create a beautiful, high quality film to celebrate the amazing residents of Lime Court through Gecko’s unique style and visuals.
The film was led by Associate Director Helen Baggett and devising performer Miguel Torres Umba, who devised a storyboard to take viewers on an emotional journey through different worlds inspired by the residents. Their concept was brought to life with Technical Stage Manager Jake Channon designing and building our very own film studio within one of the rooms at Lime Court. This room was transformed into different scenes and environments for the residents to experience, explore and respond to, through movement and music, with facilitation and performance from devising performer Vanessa Guevara Flores. The resulting film was directed by Miguel, filmed and edited by Associate Director Rich Rusk and Produced by Creative Engagement Producer Paul Smethurst.
Our amazing cast - residents and staff of Lime Court - were treated to a sneak peek of the film at a special red carpet event within the home, before it was premiered as part of the Harwich Festival.
Still was launched to the public on 24th September 2022, on the National day of Arts in Care Homes.
Still Screening in Ipswich
On the National Day of Arts in Care Homes, we were delighted to have screened Still at Ipswich County Library, in collaboration with Suffolk Libraries.
The screenings throughout the day were well attended and we loved seeing people’s reactions to the film. It was very special to be able to share Still with audiences in-person on the National Day of Arts in Care Homes.
Feedback
From viewers:
“This is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. I’ve still got tears rolling down my cheeks as I’m writing this email. It was an incredibly emotional piece to watch. The participants (both Gecko and the residents you worked with) are very lucky to have had the opportunity of working on something so extraordinary.”
“You have taken my breath away with this latest project. I have always been in awe of you as a Company but 'Still' is for me quite possibly your most moving and thought-provoking piece yet. Thank you for this very important and beautiful work.”
From our partners:
“I’m in Tears. Thank you for what you’re doing. I’m feeling incredibly emotional. We have lovely people in our homes. Life in a care home is not a bus stop. People are living. They have energy. They give us energy everyday” Simona Petrehus, Exelcare UK.
“I have one question - How do I get to go to the nightclub? Thank you. We’ve been on the journey with you over lockdown. Care homes have really gone through it. We’re all about connecting with people. You made it work virtually and in-person to keep the connection during times when you had to be apart. Thank you for bringing Gecko to the care home, you didn’t dilute it. You brought it 100%. No compromise”. Susan Langford , Director of Magic Me
You can watch the film, find out more about the project and its history, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the process on Still’s website Here