Driving Social Change Through the Power of Documentary Filmmaking

with Stu Maddux and Joseph Applebaum,

Co-Founders, The Clowder Group

This week on the Art of Aging, host Rev. Beth Long-Higgins welcomes filmmakers Stu Maddux and Joseph Applebaum from the Clowder Group, a social enterprise changing the world through film. The discussion highlights the power of documentary filmmaking in addressing social issues like aging, social isolation, and equity for marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ population. Stu and Joe share insights from their impactful projects, such as “Gen Silent,” and discuss the personal motivations and challenges behind their work. They emphasize the importance of storytelling in fostering empathy, sparking conversations, inspiring social change, and so much more.
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Notes:

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Documentary Filmmaking Importance (2:32)
  • The Impact of Documentaries (3:55)
  • Keeping Biases in Check (7:43)
  • Creative Process and Audience Engagement (11:16)
  • Empowerment Through Film (14:18)
  • Real-Time Feedback from Screenings (18:51)
  • Loneliness Epidemic and Documentary Response (23:02)
  • Personal Impact of Caregiving (26:36)
  • Choosing Future Projects (29:03)
  • Aging Perspectives (33:16)
  • Final Thoughts and Takeaways (36:37)

 

Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com. 

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