We’re thrilled to announce the public release of ‘Forget Me Not’: a documentary from UWE filmmakers, featuring our dementia-friendly allotment in Brentry, which celebrates its four-year anniversary this July.
About The Film
Back in October 2022, Alive were approached by five second-year filmmaking students who had been tasked with creating a 10-minute documentary on a subject they felt passionate about. We jumped at the opportunity to collaborate with Fay, Charlotte, Freya, Romy, and Emily, and invited them to join us for a cup of tea at the end of one of our sessions.
Their initial visit turned into three, during which time they built genuine connections with participants, filming with great sensitivity and care in a way that made people feel respected, comfortable, and truly seen.
Filmed as autumn transitioned into winter – on days that were cold, damp, and misty – the footage somehow radiates warmth and a space full of joy, meaning, and belonging. Through interviews and glimpsed moments of digging, planting, laughter, and quiet conversation, the film beautifully captures the essence of what our sessions offer.
The film is a powerful and evocative snapshot of a moment in time at the allotment, full of meaning, purpose, and connection.
More than anything, we hope the film shows how vital it is to support people living with dementia in ways that honour who they are; and the importance of not wrapping people in cotton wool or underestimating their abilities.
Four Years of Brentry
After pitching to film festivals, ‘Forget Me Not’ enjoys its public release on the anniversary of our North Bristol dementia-friendly allotment, which was officially opened in July 2021 by Marvin Rees, the then Mayor of Bristol.
Since its launch, our Brentry site has blossomed into one the charity’s biggest achievements. In 2022, the allotment won Markel’s prestigious Dementia Care Award and welcomed the BBC film crew for a special feature on Gardener’s World. Hosting regular events, launching new schemes for carers, inviting care home groups and our amazing team of volunteers, as well as our regular members for weekly sessions of dementia-friendly gardening, the allotment continues to thrive as a sanctuary for our entire community.
At the launch, Marvin Rees said the space will bring “hope” to Bristol, and it’s been a pleasure to see that come to fruition.
Having gardened all her life, Bruna and her daughter-in-law, Karen, gave us this heart-warming exchange in the film:
Karen: “It’s a nice, peaceful place to come. The people are lovely; the atmosphere’s lovely, and it’s just your happy place, isn’t it?”
Bruna: “Yeah, when I come in from the top, I always think ‘This is my life. I love it, I really love it.”
Credits:
Director: Freya Wellaway
Producer: Charlotte Anderson
DoP: Romy Robbin
Editor: Fay Rippon
Sound: Emily Jorgenson Stephens
Music: Noah Merrall
