Page 25 - Gilbert Awards 6-Year Scrapbook

2013 Winner, Creative Expression:

WeOwnTV - San Francisco, CA

WeOwnTV is a nonprofit organization that produces educational documentary films by creating robust

social campaigns and educational outreach activities around its productions. Their mission is to mani-

fest film and media projects that explore our shared humanity and foster an appreciation of the natural
world. WeOwnTV’s media education program works with filmakers from underserved communities and

balances intensive film production with important skills training while enabling young filmmakers to

share their stories and ideas with the world. Website: www.weowntv.org

Program/Project:

The Genius of Marian

The Genius of Marian, a visually rich and

emotionally complex documentary film,
explores the heartbreak of Alzheimer’s

disease, the power of art and the mean-

ing of family. The documentary follows

Pam White and her family for three years

following her Alzheimer’s diagnosis as
her son, the filmmaker, documents the

changes that occur in all of their lives.

The film has resonated strongly with both

professional and family caregivers, and

those directly affected by Alzheimer’s dis-

ease and age-related disabilities because
it prominently features family caregiving

in action. The objective of the film is to in-

spire new thinking about how we de-

fine health and wellness and

to change the way we
cope, as individuals

and as a society, with

Alzheimer’s disease,

aging and loss.

medical and clinical aspects “We all do in-staff training that most often discusses the

brings you right into the world
of Alzheimer’s disease. But this is more meaningful . . . it

of the person with Alzheimer’s and what their families also experience.”

- Joyce Watson O’Neil, LICSW, CDP; social worker for an assisted living community

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