The distress of loneliness has been captured in a film released this week entitled “The Anniversary.”
The Silver Line charity have released the film in order to highlight the nation’s loneliness epidemic amongst older people.
The film, produced for the charity by film director, Phil Beastall, whose short film, ‘Love is a Gift’, went viral online last Christmas, shows a lady alone in her home recalling an anniversary gift brought for her by her husband.
The lady then sits at a desk from which she removes a framed photograph of her husband and then a photograph album dedicated to their wedding anniversaries.
At midnight she lights a candle and then looks through the album, ending at an empty page headed ’50th anniversary – Renewing our vows’.
She speaks the only words of the film through her tears: “Happy Anniversary my darling.”
Speaking about her initial conversation with the film director, The Silver Line’s Director of Income, Nina Gopal said, “After crying my way through Phil’s film I thought that we should approach him to create a film for us and he agreed which was fantastic.
“Our brief was to create a film that portrayed loneliness and what it’s like to miss someone so much that it hurts and get across the sense of loss. I have to say that he’s done a great job – it’s hard to hold back the tears when I watch it.”
The release of the film in the run up to Christmas has been timed to maximise its fundraising potential with the charity hoping to bring in much-needed donations.
The Silver Line Founder, Dame Esther Rantzen, has spoken about loneliness on the release of the film, “I always remember the Queen’s quote when she went to New York to commemorate those lost in 9/11. She said ‘Grief is the price we pay for love’. Loneliness is also often the price we pay for loss. Loss sometimes of sight, or hearing, or a job, but very often, as in my case, and in this film, the loss of a loving partner.
“I find this film so moving that it brings tears to my eyes, because I speak to so many Silver Line callers who think about their lost loved ones every day, and for whom Christmas is the loneliest time of their year.”
Speaking about the commission, Beastall said, “I love the challenge of making a film that speaks to people despite there being very little said – in the case of Silver Line’s film it’s four words.
“The film is all about this lady’s story and how she came to be lighting a candle on her wedding anniversary. Sad though it is, we needed to convey the sense of despair some people are experiencing.
“The Silver Line is there to listen to these people and through the film I know they will raise funds and awareness of the charity too.”
The Silver Line is dedicated to providing support for older people living with loneliness and social isolation. Its helpline has received in excess of 2.5 million calls since it was established in 2013 and close to 1,500 people per day reach out to the helpline.
Just £10 pays for two calls from a lonely older person to The Silver Line. You can donate £10 right now by texting ALONE to 70660 (standard network charges apply).
Donations can also be made via the charity’s website www.thesilverline.org.uk.
