Careless

In a country where ageing has become a business, this funny, moving documentary follows elderly people’s fight to grow old their way. When director Sue Thomson’s 89-year-old mum, Margaret, begins to need additional help with day-to-day life, they face a decision that most families will encounter: whether to consider a residential aged-care facility; and, if so, how to find a suitable one amid a sector with a reputation for neglect and mistreatment. Margaret’s story becomes a springboard for an investigation of the political history of aged care in Australia, marred by a 40-year bipartisan privatisation agenda. As we hear from advocates, journalists and senior citizens who have experienced the system, a group of schoolkids discuss the situation we’ve reached with aged care and where we need to go from here – and of what they, and we, can expect in the future. Supported by the MIFF Premiere Fund, this documentary directed by award-winning filmmaker Thomson (The Coming Back Out Ball Movie, MIFF 2018 Closing Night Gala; Under Cover, MIFF 2022) and produced by Adam Farrington-Williams (Geeta, MIFF 2021) is a warm, insightful and energetic exploration of a problem that touches us all. Through observational footage, archival materials, home movies and interviews, Careless issues a timely and powerful response to a hidden crisis.