On October 15, Niagara College’s School of Community Services hosted a special screening of Silver Screamers, a heartwarming and spine-tingling documentary that challenges perceptions of aging and celebrates the spirit of adventure.
The film follows a group of spirited seniors who step outside their comfort zones to create a horror film, discovering along the way that creativity, connection and a willingness to try something new have no age limit.
Jackie Frail, Dean of Community Services and Justice and Fitness Studies, was excited to bring the screening to NC, offering students and members of the wider community an opportunity to explore themes of aging, creativity and intergenerational connection.
“Bringing Silver Screamers to Niagara College has been a goal for our division over the past year, and we were thrilled to welcome Sean, along with members of the Niagara College community and the broader community, for this special screening,” said Frail. “The film explores themes that are deeply connected to our values, including inclusion, meaningful connection, and lifelong learning. It was a wonderful evening filled with laughter, reflection, and just the right amount of fright.”
Following the screening, Frail facilitated a panel discussion featuring Silver Screamers Director Sean Cisterna and participants in NC’s trailblazing project, A Senior’s Freshman Year: The Intergenerational College Experience.
Through this initiative, students from NC’s Recreation Therapy program attend classes alongside residents of Heidehof, a seniors’ care community in St. Catharines. The program incorporates intentional learning activities that encourage residents to share their experiences and perspectives while building meaningful connections with students.
The panel discussion connected the themes of Silver Screamers with participants’ own experiences in the program, highlighting the value of learning across generations.
NC students reflected on the impact of getting to know residents on a more personal level and gaining a deeper appreciation for the life experiences and lessons they have to share. For Heidehof participants, the experience offered an opportunity to reconnect with their youthful spirit, share their wisdom and contribute to the learning of the next generation.
“My experience in the program taught me the importance of listening with intention and remaining open to other people’s thoughts and perspectives,” said Recreation Therapy student Darya Gohm. “I loved being able to share the stage with some of my new friends and hear them reflect on their experiences. Sharing our stories was also a way to advocate for lifelong learning and show that you’re never too old to learn, grow and discover something new.”
Filmmaker Sean Cisterna was honoured to share his film with the NC community, where its themes resonated with the experiences of those taking part in the intergenerational learning initiative.
Recreation Therapy students with Silver Screamers Director, Sean Cisterna.
“One of the most rewarding parts of sharing Silver Screamers is watching how the film resonates with audiences of all ages,” said Cisterna. “Bringing it to Niagara College was particularly meaningful because the film is really about breaking down generational barriers and challenging the assumptions we make about growing older. These older adults stepped completely outside their comfort zones, learned something new, and proved that our capacity for creativity and adventure doesn’t diminish with age.”
To view the Silver Screamers trailer, click here.
“My hope is that everyone who watches Silver Screamers walks away inspired to take a chance on something they’ve always wanted to try, regardless of how old they are. After all, creativity doesn’t expire, and imagination doesn’t retire,” said Cisterna.
