Acclaimed Philanthropist Sir Owen Glenn of the Glenn Family Foundation, is funding production of the Australian feature film ‘Ruby’s Choice,’ which is being produced and directed by Michael Budd.
Sir Owen Glenn is donating 50% of profits to the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life, being the official charity associated with the film.
The Glenn Family Foundation’s aim is to provide a hand up, not a handout. The Foundation has already donated over $30 million to community-based projects worldwide, funding essential services such as eye checks, schools and student scholarships, and necessities such as clean water, solar power and improved sanitation, all of which help build empowered and self-sustaining communities.
“Dementia is a growing problem which receives very little attention from the community at large. It is treated as an embarrassing ailment and sufferers are isolated from family and friends. This film is intended to expose our shortcomings and will open up debate on how we should be better coping with and supporting our loved ones from being isolated from society,” said Sir Owen Glenn.
‘Ruby’s Choice’ is a globally important film of our time. Not only will it help shift perceptions about dementia, but by supporting the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life it will also enable the provision of much needed practical assistance and allow this Australian based charity to help alleviate emotional suffering and ignite the Spark of Life in people with dementia, their families and carers.
Actress Jane Seymour plays the lead role of Ruby in the story of a woman living alone with early dementia and its impact on her and her family when she is no longer able to live independently.
Told through the eyes of Ruby’s granddaughter, Tash, we see the humanity of dementia – the reality that there is still a person there with memories, emotion and value.
“The story of Ruby’s Choice shares the same heart-centred message as the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life. Ruby’s Choice is about showing the importance of love and compassion, which is also what has drawn Jane Seymour to the role,” says Jane Verity, Founder of the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life.