Upcoming film by Rianna Patterson will focus on dementia in Dominica and the Caribbean

Rianna Patterson, Founder of the Dominica Dementia Foundation

Founder of the Dominica Dementia Foundation, Rianna Patterson will direct a film called Dementia: the Island Journey, that will focus on dementia in the Caribbean with a focus on Dominica this year.

Rianna founded this charity due to the passing of her grandfather Terry Vidal in Dominica, and received the Queens Young Leader award in 2017. The Dementia Island Journey film will focus on how Dominican culture enables the residents there to live long and healthy lives, as well as Rianna’s personal journey in creating an impact on the lives of the elders in the Caribbean.

The film will highlight the stories of older people and families affected by dementia in the Caribbean. It will also celebrate and show the persons living and aging well, include elders’ perspectives, and showcase the ‘live longer Isle’ aspect as the island has many centenarians.

Production starts on September 24, the first day of the Creole in England, and will continue throughout the month of October in Dominica. The crowdfunding page was published in November 2020, however, production was postponed to 2021. The documentary film will be ready for distribution by December 2022.

During an interview with DNO, Patterson said that the film has truly been a journey.

“The film has evolved in so many ways since the inception of the idea in 2020. I am working with a local team and have on-boarded two students from the Dominica State College to gain film experience,” she said.

“Once we start telling the stories, and normalizing it, it’ll become easier for everyone to talk openly about mental health in forums and to our family members, and will be more keen on getting a dementia diagnosis. Nevertheless, we’re getting more accepting, especially in terms of discussing mental health, “ Patterson believes.

Rianna extends her heartfelt thanks to the diaspora for coming together to bring this project to life.

Persons who are interested can click this link to purchase Dementia: The Island Journey merchandise on Rianna’s website site:  https://www.riannapatterson.com/shop

You can also keep updated on this project by following the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dementiaisledoc/

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2 Comments

  1. LOOKING CLOSE
    October 5, 2022

    A very ambitious young woman, Hats off to you for bringing attention to Dementia on the island. I will certainly be watching this film and contributing in whatever way i can.

  2. Da Womensocute
    October 3, 2022

    Is this cute and very attractive woman married? Brilliance that also comes along with beauty!

    Now please women, do not jump on this and call it harassment of anything like dat, it is just meant to be a compliment, just like in the old days when we could talk to each other as family without the fear of being hauled to court!!!

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