December 5, 2024

Loneliness affects us all — but it impacts two populations the most: older adults and young adults ages 18-28. For both groups, intergenerational programs can be a win-win, counteracting isolation and fostering deeper levels of connection and belonging.

Connecting across generations at UVM

One great example of intergenerational programming in action was a recent event held by our friends at the University of Vermont (UVM). On Sunday November 3, 2024, the UVM Center on Aging held a special screening of two films, “Between the Silence” and “Dial a Ride,” from our Project UnLonely Films library, a collection of short films offering diverse, destigmatizing perspectives on loneliness, connection, and belonging. Attendees included a mix of 30 college students, faculty, and older adults from the community. The purpose of the gathering? To foster learning across generations at UVM.

A young participant shared, “I really enjoyed this event and the emphasis on storytelling and saving those stories. As someone from a younger generation, I really value the stories and advice I hear from those older than me. I also think the older generations like to see young faces and hear from us as well. This event opened a lot of topics for reflection that I will continue to think about.”

Marissa Birne, the Center on Aging’s Associate Director of Education, said the screening “inspired thoughtful dialogue about the need to reach out and connect with others, even when it’s difficult.” Marissa and her team look forward to organizing additional screenings throughout the year. They already have another intergenerational screening event on the calendar for January 26, 2025!

Benefits of film screenings

Whether you work for a college or university, library, museum, faith-based organization, assisted living facility, or other community-based organization, intergenerational film screenings can be a wonderful way to spark authentic — often unexpected — connections in your community.

By creating a shared emotional and aesthetic experience, films can serve as powerful conversation starters that help people express themselves authentically and learn from one another. A recent Stanford study even found that films can measurably increase empathy for stigmatized groups, suggesting that films can play a role in strengthening social connectedness.

How to host a film screening

In a few simple steps, you can bring the benefits of film appreciation to your community!

1. Decide on your goal for the screening. What kinds of conversations or behaviors do you aim to inspire? How do you hope this screening will impact your community?
2. Identify your target audience. Are there particular groups or populations you’d like to include in your screening? Will the screening be open to the public, or will it be a private, invitation-only event?
3. Choose 2-3 short films that you think might resonate with your audience and goals.
4. Prepare to host. Send an invitation with a Zoom link or in-person meeting instructions. Make sure the space where you’ll meet is comfortable and accessible for all!
5. Create digital and physical promotional materials that capture the who, what, where, when, and why of your event.
6. Spread the word via social media platforms, newsletters, flyers, and other channels that are relevant to your audience.
7. Order snacks and drinks to keep folks hydrated and nourished during the event. Identify any allergies or sensitivities in advance.
8. Create a list of discussion prompts to help participants share and reflect. Here are a few examples: “Did you relate to any characters in the film? If so, why? What do you think is the moral of this story?”
9. Watch the films together! Encourage participants to notice their feelings, thoughts, and reactions as they watch.
10. Have a conversation. Have a group discussion where everyone gets time and space to share. Encourage participants to be open, honest, and respectful.
11. Gather feedback from participants through a physical or digital survey. We have one you can use! Reach out to us at [email protected]

Please let us know if you are planning to host a film screening using Project UnLonely Films! We’d love to hear about your plans, and we’re happy to provide support or answer any questions you might have. We’re also developing some new tools to help you effectively host a screening that we’re happy to share. Please reach out to us at [email protected].

Explore our library of 125+ Project UnLonely Films and sort by topic to choose content that aligns with your goals.

Good luck!