Film about loneliness has UK premiere
Published on 31 August 2022 02:45 PM
An international documentary about the epidemic of loneliness will have its United Kingdom premiere on Sunday 18 September at the Old Market Hall cinema in Shrewsbury.
Much of the film, All the Lonely People, was shot in Shropshire over the past four years as crews followed individuals and families that overcame loneliness with the help of innovations by local organisations.
Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin will host the event, and it has worked closely with the Californian filmmakers from the film’s inception. Chief Executive, Heather Osborne, said: ‘It has been a privilege to work with renowned filmmakers to shine a light on the enduring problem of isolation and loneliness in our society and to have so much of the film shot in Shropshire has been a real thrill. We’re all very excited to see the film in its entirety.’
Producers Joseph Applebaum and Stu Maddux will attend the invite-only event, along with staff, volunteers and clients of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin and partner organisations that are providing resources to ease loneliness and social isolation in our area. Some of the cast who feature in the film will be special guests at the premiere.
Shropshire came to the attention of documentary filmmaker Joseph Applebaum through Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire Council.
‘We felt Shropshire had people from many different walks of life challenged by this hidden pandemic but also many organisations that are discovering solutions,’ said Joseph. ‘We are discovering that many audiences around the world see this unique area as similar to their own in many ways.’
Joseph’s social impact organisation, The Clowder Group, is screening the film at reconnection events around the world. He hopes to bring attention to the personal impact of loneliness and how communities can ease it.
Researchers believe the effects of loneliness on our health are as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The added stress of feeling alone increases heart disease and even earlier onset of dementia.