AN one-off documentary about Alzheimer’s Disease, by a critically-acclaimed Candadian filmmaker and TV producer, is to be screened on STV next week.
‘The August Years of May and Gloria’, by Maureen Judge, charts a mother and daughter’s journey, as they learn to cope with the mother’s progressing Alzheimer’s.
Scottish-born, 82 year-old May and her daughter Gloria (59) have lived in Canada for many years.
Says STV: “The August Years is a compassionate and intimate documentary which tells their heart-warming, humorous and often difficult story as they make the decision to move away from loved ones in Canada and back to the family they left behind in Scotland.
“After the death of her father, Gloria moved in with her mother May to ‘look after her’. It soon becomes clear that widow and divorcee, Gloria, needs May just as much as May needs her.
“Even when faced with the prospect of leaving Canada, the onset of Alzheimer’s and old age, May remains touchingly upbeat, full of life and laughter throughout the programme. Only when the reality of leaving Canada, her husband’s grave, and her beloved budgie hits May, do we see her break down. As everyone gathers to say goodbye, Gloria’s sacrifices are clearly shown as she leaves children and grand-children behind to join her sister in Edinburgh.”
Says Elizabeth Partyka, Channel controller for STV: “The August Years of May and Gloria is an absolutely compelling story and I’m thrilled that we’re showing it on STV. The vibrant personalities of these two women draw the audience in. I am sure that many of our viewers will identify with the themes and emotions that are at the heart of this documentary. Director and producer, Maureen Judge, is an internationally-respected programme maker and it is exciting for STV to have an international documentary of this standard premiering on STV.”
The August Years of May and Gloria is a Makin’ Movies Production for STV. It is being screened on Monday, at 8pm.
