A group of Illawarra seniors have brought their silver screen dreams to life in a photographic project that saw them recreate iconic movie or television scenes.
The 46 participants, who were aged between 51 and 98 years, reconstructed scenes from movies as diverse as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Blues Brothers and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Wollongong City Council led the creative project, titled Golden Oldies: Screen Dreams in Pictures, with support from the United Aged Care Farmborough Heights, the Silver Belles Dance Group and local seniors.
“Forget the old adage about growing old quietly,” said Wollongong Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery OAM.
“This project shows you’re never too old to have fun, dressing up isn’t just for kids and that age should never be a barrier to trying something new.
“This is the kind of project that inspires me.
“I love the fact these people have come together and created something special that’s also entertaining and a bit cheeky.’’
As part of the three-month project, the group recreated 16 iconic scenes with the help of Council officers, a professional photographer and make-up artist in locations across the city.
The group picked movies or television programs they liked or that were relevant or significant to them in some way.
“The purpose of this project was to promote positive ageing and recognise how seniors contribute to our community and I think it has nailed that,’’ Cr Bradbery said.
“Anyone who sees these images will smile, it’s impossible not to.
“It’s so clear from the photographs that the participants are having fun.’’
An exhibition of Screen Dreams photographs will be displayed at Wollongong Central from 16 – 29 March 2015, and online at www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/services/community/Pages/screendreams.aspx
