For centuries, creativity was seen as the domain of the young – a spark that burned brightest in early adulthood. Yet, in today’s rapidly changing world, older generations are disproving this myth. Across the UK, Europe, and the US, people aged over 50 are embracing digital tools that unlock artistic expression in ways previously unimaginable. At the centre of this renaissance lies artificial intelligence (AI), reshaping how art and writing are produced, shared, and enjoyed.

Far from replacing human imagination, AI is enabling new forms of self-expression. Whether through generating paintings, co-writing poems, or assisting in memoir writing, technology is offering mature creators opportunities to explore passions, rediscover dormant skills, and connect with global audiences.

Why the over-50s are turning to AI

More time, renewed purpose

For many, retirement or semi-retirement opens up hours once dedicated to work or raising families. This new time brings both possibilities and challenges: how best to use it meaningfully. Creative projects powered by AI offer accessible, low-cost avenues to explore old interests or spark new ones.

Accessibility and ease of use

AI-powered platforms no longer demand coding expertise. Tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and DALL·E rely on natural language input – users simply describe what they want, and the system generates results. This accessibility is crucial for older generations who might feel intimidated by complex software.

Emotional and cognitive benefits

Psychologists note that engaging in creative pursuits strengthens cognitive resilience, particularly as we age. A 2022 study by the American Psychological Association linked sustained creative activity with improved memory, reduced risk of depression, and higher life satisfaction among older adults. When AI lowers the barrier to entry, more people can reap these benefits without feeling constrained by technical limitations.

AI in writing: memoirs, poetry, and beyond

The memoir revolution

One of the most popular creative outlets for the over-50s is memoir writing. Many people dream of capturing their life stories for children or grandchildren but struggle with the discipline of structuring narratives. AI-assisted writing platforms now help with everything from outlining chapters to polishing prose.

An 68-year-old retired teacher in Manchester described how an AI drafting assistant helped her finally complete her memoir: “I had boxes of notes and journals, but no idea how to make them flow. With AI suggesting structures, I felt less overwhelmed, and now my family can read my story.”

Poetry and literary play

Creative AI also encourages experimentation. Even for those who have never written poetry before, generative tools make it possible to explore language playfully. Writers can input themes – such as “autumn in Yorkshire” or “first love” – and instantly receive drafts. These outputs are not endpoints but sparks for personal refinement.

In this sense, AI becomes less of a writer and more of a collaborator: suggesting, inspiring, and challenging. Midlife and later-life writers, often rich with experiences, can weave their own voices into AI-generated drafts, producing unique blends of human memory and machine creativity.

Everyday practical writing

Beyond artistic projects, AI also assists with everyday writing: letters, speeches, or even crafting travel blogs. Some older professionals continue freelance work after retirement, where AI helps in editing and refining texts. In these contexts, tools that allow users to rephrase AI outputs naturally become part of the writing process, making communication smoother and more engaging.

AI in art: from digital canvases to hybrid creations

The rise of ai-powered painting

Platforms such as Midjourney and Stable Diffusion allow users to generate high-quality digital art by typing short prompts. This makes painting accessible to those who never felt skilled with brushes. An amateur in her 70s can now bring to life imagined landscapes, portraits, or abstract works in minutes, then share them online or print them for her living room.

Hybrid practices: human + machine

Artists are not simply accepting AI’s first output. Instead, many use AI as a starting point – printing digital pieces, adding hand-drawn details, or collaging them into mixed-media works. This hybrid approach highlights that human imagination remains central. The AI becomes a powerful partner, offering endless variations at the click of a button.

Community and exhibition

Galleries are beginning to recognise the role of older AI creators. In 2023, the Barbican in London hosted a digital arts exhibition where several contributors were retirees experimenting with generative tools. Their works demonstrated that AI art is not about replacing painters but democratising access to creative worlds.

Addressing concerns: authenticity and ownership

Sceptics often argue that AI-generated art and writing lack authenticity. Yet authenticity resides not solely in technical skill but in intention, meaning, and emotional connection. For someone sharing a memoir with grandchildren, or producing a poem that captures decades of lived experience, the human story behind the work remains the defining element.

Copyright and ownership questions remain complex. Legal frameworks across the UK and EU are still evolving, but most platforms currently allow users to claim ownership of AI-generated works. Experts advise creators to save drafts, document their prompts, and consider how they want their contributions acknowledged in collaborative processes.

The psychological edge: rediscovering confidence

For many older adults, starting something creative can feel daunting. AI’s gentle prompts and rapid feedback help counter self-doubt. By generating drafts or sketches instantly, the technology encourages experimentation without fear of “getting it wrong.”

Professor Sarah Harper, gerontologist at the University of Oxford, notes: “Later life is not about winding down – it is about rediscovery. When AI tools lower entry barriers, they empower older adults to explore creativity with confidence and curiosity.”

Looking ahead: the future of creative ai for older generations

The pace of AI innovation shows no sign of slowing. Voice-controlled systems may soon allow users to simply speak their ideas aloud, generating stories or images hands-free – a boon for those with mobility or vision challenges. Virtual reality combined with AI could allow older creators to “step inside” their paintings or collaboratively write plays with global peers.

Importantly, as adoption grows, we are likely to see more peer-led communities of over-50s sharing tutorials, prompts, and techniques. This could mirror the early days of social media, but with a more purposeful focus on creativity, wellbeing, and intergenerational exchange.

Creativity without age limits

Artificial intelligence is not a replacement for imagination – it is an amplifier. For people over 50, it is providing tools to rekindle passions, start new projects, and leave lasting creative legacies. From memoir writing to digital painting, AI has become a bridge between decades of lived experience and the possibilities of modern technology.

As society continues to challenge outdated stereotypes about ageing, one fact is becoming clear: creativity has no expiry date. And thanks to AI, it has never been easier – or more rewarding – for older generations to express themselves boldly and beautifully.

silvermagazine

If you’d like to receive a regular mini-magazine direct to your inbox with a selection of editorial features to read at your leisure, please sign up for our newsletter. We also run the odd competition and offer and whatnot, and newsletter members get the heads-up first.

The post Creative AI: why over-50s are using AI for art and writing appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Forgetting our hobbies is an unfortunate and natural part of living life. We often face periods of stress and overwork so overwhelming that we don’t have enough time for what we used to love. By the time our calendars open up, we’re often settled into new patterns, and we forget about getting back into older habits.

There’s nothing wrong with finding yourself on this path, but there’s also nothing that says we need to stay on it.

With some hard work, it’s very possible to rediscover old hobbies, and there are few better ways to do that than by creating a hobby room. Make a special space for it. Whether this means remodelling an older room or building a new one, there’s a lot to be gained from this process, with serious advantages that pay off in the years and decades ahead.

Working on any kind of hobby rewards you with the feeling of a job well done. Whether it’s relaxing after exercising, thinking over the message of a book you just read, or admiring the work of a creative project, simply finishing it can be its own reward. Hobbies are also more than that, aiding in positive health outcomes.

According to research as mentioned at Sword Health, keeping mentally active can maintain cognitive health and delay age-related decline. We’ve all seen people in their eighties with minds just as sharp as they’ve ever been. And hobbies can play a major part in you achieving the same sharpness later in life.

Working on your home

Clearing a room or creating a dedicated space to pursue these activities can be a great way to get started on a new hobby. Not only this, if you do it right, remodelling or rebuilding a room into a hobby space comes with the added benefit of increasing the valuation of your home. These are highly desirable spaces, and the extra value they created is taken into account by estate agents, including online home sales services like We Buy Any Home.

This online system works by looking at the entirety of a home, including the work that you’ve done, and running calculations to determine value. Free cash offers are then returned within minutes and funds in as little as seven days. Any enhancements you’ve built can create appreciable payoffs if you do choose to sell. So, you could be investing in your home, as well as yourself.

Discovering or rediscovering a passion

Mental sharpness and financial rewards are already strong reasons to think about building hobby rooms, but just as important is the joy that it can bring into your life. Hobbies aren’t just distractions; they’re ways that we can express ourselves, our creativity, and grow into more developed people.

Hobbies can also be a useful way of connecting with loved ones or meeting new people. Online communal hobby group systems like Meetup can help with this process, letting you find like-minded individuals to share new or existing passions with.

The idea of creating a hobby room might be challenging, but it’s likely to be worth the effort. Investing in a hobby room and jumping back into the hobby space is an investment in your future, even if the first steps can be difficult ones. It’s all about taking a long-term view, and asking yourself where you’d like to be five years from now. And what skills and personal projects you’d like to have achieved when 2030 comes around.

silvermagazine

If you’d like to receive a regular mini-magazine direct to your inbox with a selection of editorial features to read at your leisure, please sign up for our newsletter. We also run the odd competition and offer and whatnot, and newsletter members get the heads-up first.

The post Why building a hobby room will spark joy appeared first on Silver Magazine.

It has the ability to transform spaces, evoke emotions, and reflect personal narratives. In the area of home decor, art serves as a powerful tool to refresh and redefine living spaces. Whether it’s an abstract painting, a vibrant photograph, or a minimalist print, the impact of art on your home decor cannot be underestimated. It can inject life into otherwise mundane settings.

In recent years, the trend of incorporating art into home decor has gained significant momentum. This shift is not merely about aesthetics, it’s about creating environments that resonate with personal style and current trends. Trendy Art Prints from Desenio offer a diverse array of options for homeowners looking to infuse contemporary flair into their spaces. These trendy art prints provide a resource for discovering fashionable pieces that align with individual tastes and the latest design trends.

Art’s transformative power lies in its ability to alter perceptions of space. A well-chosen piece can make a room feel larger, cozier, or more dynamic. It can serve as a focal point, drawing attention and sparking conversation. But perhaps most importantly, art allows homeowners to express their unique identities, making their homes a true reflection of who they are. As you consider refreshing your home decor, ponder this: what story do you want your space to tell?

Read more: would you know how to trace your family tree?

Understanding your space and style

Before delving into the world of art, it’s crucial to understand the dimensions and style of your living space. In the UK, for instance, the average home size is around 85 square meters, with terraced houses being particularly prevalent. These spatial constraints often dictate the type of art that can be accommodated.

Choosing art that complements your existing decor involves a delicate balance. It’s about finding pieces that enhance rather than overwhelm. For smaller spaces, opting for lighter, more subdued artworks can create an illusion of openness. Conversely, larger spaces can handle bold, statement pieces that command attention.

Your personal style is equally important in this equation. Are you drawn to modern, abstract designs, or do you prefer classic, timeless pieces? Understanding your preferences will guide you in selecting art that feels authentic to you. Ultimately, the art you choose should harmonize with your home’s architecture and furnishings, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.

Incorporating trends and personal expression

Trends in home decor are constantly evolving, and the use of art is no exception. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly art options. This shift reflects a broader societal awareness of environmental issues and a desire to make conscious choices in all aspects of life.

Sustainable art can take many forms, from pieces made with recycled materials to those that support local artists and communities. Incorporating these trends into your home decor not only aligns with global movements but also allows for personal expression. Art is a medium through which individuals can convey their values and beliefs.

Personal expression through art is about more than just following trends. It’s about selecting pieces that resonate on a deeper level, that evoke memories or inspire future aspirations. Whether it’s a family portrait, a landscape from a favorite travel destination, or an abstract piece that speaks to your soul, art is a personal journey. It’s a way to tell your story without uttering a single word.

silvermagazine

If you’d like to receive a regular mini-magazine direct to your inbox with a selection of editorial features to read at your leisure, please sign up for our newsletter. We also run the odd competition and offer and whatnot, and newsletter members get the heads-up first.

The post The impact of art on your home decor appeared first on Silver Magazine.

David Bowie fans, mark your calendars for September 2025. The V&A’s new David Bowie Centre for the Study of Performing Arts promises an electrifying deep dive into the life and artistry of one of the most influential cultural icons of the 20th century. Housed within the V&A East Storehouse in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, this ambitious David Bowie exhibition at the V&A is more than just a tribute. It’s an immersive experience that invites you to step into the creative world of a legend.

The Bowie Archive, acquired by the V&A with support from the David Bowie Estate, the Blavatnik Family Foundation, and Warner Music Group, comprises over 80,000 items, spanning six decades. From flamboyant stage costumes to intimate notebooks, it’s an absolute treasure trove.

It covers Bowie’s journey from his early experiments in the 1960s to his boundary-pushing final years. Many of these pieces have never been displayed before, making this a rare and unmissable opportunity for fans and scholars alike.

Expect to be dazzled by the iconic Ziggy Stardust ensembles crafted by Freddie Burretti, Kansai Yamamoto’s bold Aladdin Sane tour costumes, and the Union Jack coat co-designed by Bowie and Alexander McQueen for the Earthling album cover. These pieces don’t just showcase Bowie’s flair for reinvention—they cement his legacy as a pioneer of style and self-expression.

Quilted two-piece suit, 1972. Designed by Freddie Burretti for the Ziggy Stardust tour. ©The David Bowie Archive

Striped bodysuit for Aladdin Sane tour, 1973. Design by Kansai Yamamoto. Photograph by Masayoshi Sukita. © Sukita and The David Bowie Archive

Beyond the costumes

The archive offers a glimpse into Bowie’s creative mind. Handwritten lyrics for classics like Heroes and Ashes to Ashes sit alongside scraps of paper featuring his ‘cut-up’ writing method, a technique inspired by author William Burroughs. Intimate notebooks reveal his thought processes and unexecuted ideas, offering a rare peek into the workings of a genius.

Cut up lyrics for Blackout from Heroes, 1977 © The David Bowie Archive 2012 Image © V&A Images

The exhibition also celebrates Bowie’s contributions to visual and performing arts. Visitors can enjoy film stills from The Man Who Fell to Earth. And explore over 70,000 photographs and contact sheets by legendary photographers such as Terry O’Neill, Brian Duffy, and Helmut Newton. Music enthusiasts will appreciate artifacts like Brian Eno’s EMS synthesiser, used on the groundbreaking Low and Heroes albums, and the Stylophone gifted by Marc Bolan, which played a pivotal role in the creation of Space Oddity.

Self portrait in pose also adopted for the album cover of “Heroes”, 1978 © The David Bowie Archive 2012 Image © V&A Images

Read more: Rare rock photos of Bowie, Debbie Harry, Lou Reed and more

But this isn’t just an archive; it’s a cultural touchstone

According to Dr Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A, Bowie’s innovations across music, theatre, fashion, and beyond continue to inspire artists ranging from Lady Gaga to Tilda Swinton. “The Bowie Centre will not only celebrate his legacy, but also serve as a sourcebook for the Bowies of tomorrow,” Hunt says.

The David Bowie Centre will be a key feature of the V&A East Storehouse, a revolutionary museum experience designed to bring visitors closer to the behind-the-scenes magic of its collections. This cutting-edge facility will house over 250,000 objects, 350,000 books, and 1,000 archives, blending research spaces with display and performance areas. It’s a fitting home for Bowie’s oeuvre, placing it in dialogue with 5,000 years of art and performance history.

This announcement follows the V&A’s wildly successful 2013 exhibition, David Bowie Is…, which drew over two million visitors worldwide. As Nile Rodgers aptly puts it, “Bowie didn’t just make art; he was art.” This new archive cements Bowie’s status not just as a musician but as a multidisciplinary visionary whose influence reverberates across generations.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or newly intrigued, the David Bowie Centre promises an unparalleled exploration of an artist who redefined the boundaries of creativity. From the glittering costumes to the intimate sketches, it’s a reminder of Bowie’s enduring mantra: “Turn and face the strange.”

So, prepare to immerse yourself in the world of Bowie. This isn’t just an exhibition—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to connect with the spirit of an icon who forever changed the way we see art, music, and ourselves.

Internal render view of the central collection hall in V&A East Storehouse, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, 2021

The V&A East

The V&A East will have two sites, the V&A East Museum and the East Storehouse.

The V&A will acquire The David Bowie Archive and create The David Bowie Centre for the Study of Performing Arts at V&A East Storehouse, opening in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2025.

The acquisition and creation of The Centre has been made possible thanks to the David Bowie Estate and a generous donation of £10m from the Blavatnik Family Foundation and Warner Music Group.

Information on the exhibition

The David Bowie Centre

silvermagazine

If you’d like to receive a regular mini-magazine direct to your inbox with a selection of editorial features to read at your leisure, please sign up for our newsletter. We also run the odd competition and offer and whatnot, and newsletter members get the heads-up first.

The post David Bowie exhibition at the V&A opens September 2025 appeared first on Silver Magazine.

The photos were what caught my eye, of course. You’re immediately drawn to them, and I messaged Nikki Phillips, the photographer, asking about the sculptor and about her own photographs. We chatted a bit and she helped me track down the sculptor, Jackie Lantelli, in Slimbridge, Gloucestershire. I’d wanted to find out more about these otherworldly characters. I got lucky. Not only did Jackie agree to tell me all about them, Nikki kindly let us use her photos.

“I enjoyed doing the photos,” said Nikki. “I love playing around a little bringing out the best light and atmosphere, tried to capture what it felt like.

“It’s a very intimate scene, when you walk round the back of the church and see them standing there with their backs to you, looking down at their own graves, and you stand next to them in sorrow, reflection and remembrance. I hope the photos go some way towards capturing that. It’s incredibly moving what Jackie has created, and speaks to you on such a level words can’t reach.”

The wire sculptor usually makes sculptures of fairies and wildlife. But after an experience of her own, she has a passion for Remembrance Day and wanted to do something to mark it herself.

“A few years ago I took my friend Brigadier Stanley Baldry, 93 years old, to London because they had a special event to commemorate the end of the war in Burma,” Jackie explains. “Driving to London Stan kept saying things like, “There won’t be many there, after all most of us are dead now,” and “there won’t be many there, they did call us the forgotten army you know”.

When I looked at Stan he had tears streaming down his face, and in such a quiet voice I could hear him saying to himself, “They remembered. They remembered”

“When we got there the streets of London were full; thousands, people calling out thank you, we love you, thank you. When I looked at Stan he had tears streaming down his face, he was absolutely amazed and in such a quiet voice I could hear him saying to himself, “They remembered. They remembered”.

“That’s why I feel we should all do what we possibly can to help keep their memory alive. After all, they made the ultimate sacrifice.

“So one day I was out walking my dogs and I started talking to Den Banister who lives in our village and is head of the local history society, and he told me that he had some ideas for this Remembrance Day. He said that he was going to make some soldiers out of wood, that’s when I had the idea of making them out of wire. So I made a couple and we invited the vicar, Reverend Boon, to have a look. We thought he might take some convincing but he was really great about it and gave us the go ahead.

“My sculptures are usually quite solid but this time I wanted to create ghost-like figures; ethereal… there but not there.”

The sculptures aren’t just generic characters though, they represent real people.

“I wanted to do this for the village; we are a close-knit village, and if anything special is being planned we all muck in and do what we can. Along with the sculptures the historical society had researched all of the lives of the soldiers, and created notice boards so that you could see where they lived, where they went to school, what jobs they did, and what they did in the war.

“With the sculptures and the life stories you get an idea of a real person, not just a name on a gravestone. We wanted to honour our fallen soldiers.”

Jackie says she had no idea what an impact the works would make; something that Nikki agreed with. Nikki’s photos have been shared over 333,000 times at the time of writing, demonstrating not only how beautiful the images and sculptures are, but how much we still all remember, and honour. The comments bring tears to the eyes, and that oft-casually used phrase, ‘Never forget’ is soundly represented here.

“When I started this project I thought it would go no further than the village,” said Jackie. “But once I had made a few I thought this is going to be a bit special it might get in the local Gazette. I had no idea that it was going to create this much interest, I must say I am absolutely amazed at the affect it’s had.

When I had finished I just sat on a chair looking at them and cried

“Creating them has been emotional. I remember making the sculpture of the Wherrett brothers (one has his hand on his brother’s shoulder, as if to comfort him) and when I had finished I just sat on a chair looking at them and cried.

“Seeing people’s reactions when they see them is emotional; the comments that I’ve heard or read has been so passionate. I hope that the message we get from this is we must not forget them. They made the ultimate sacrifice, they died before they had the chance to live. The least we can do is remember them.”

The soldiers won’t stand by the gravesides indefinitely though. “All of the soldiers have homes to go to after Remembrance Day. Some are going home with relatives as they still live in the village.”

After such an extraordinary project I asked Jackie what she had in mind for her next project.

“I have a couple of ideas for next year but will keep them secret for now,” she says. We will be keeping our eyes peeled.

From 2018
Photos by Nikki Phillips: Instagram @njphillips74

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Gone but not forgotten – the ghostly soldiers by their graves appeared first on Silver Magazine.

You’d think, wouldn’t you, that from the coverage and popularity she’s enjoyed, that someone else had been working on this already, but no. She’s done everything she’s done so far herself. Having dubbed herself an ‘accidental icon’ for years, she’s finally decided it’s a great idea to let someone else organise her life for her!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

On set at @hsn yesterday sharing the Iris Apfel Barbie as well as my book, Accidental Icon. Always a pleasure! xo

A post shared by Iris Apfel (@iris.apfel) on Oct 30, 2018 at 11:03am PDT

Speaking to Women’s Wear Daily (for whom she used to work when she was younger), Apfel said “I’m a do-it-yourself girl. I never expected my life would take this turn so I never prepared for it.” She has a long career in the rag trade, although her university career was art-based, attending art school at the University of Wisconsin and then reading art history at the New York University. It was probably her flair in this department that has ultimately made her the walking work of art she is.

She launched her own textiles firm back in 1950 with husband Carl, which they ran until 1992, traveling the world together in their pursuits, where she invested in pieces of non-Western, artisanal clothes. She often wore these clothes to clients’ high-society parties, bringing some pizzazz to the proceedings.

Who would think I would be a 97-year-old cover girl?!

As an art historian, Iris also took part in several design restoration projects, including work at the White House for nine different presidents: Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, and Clinton.

And now a modelling career beckons. “I enjoy it very much. It’s very tiring. I can see why they get paid big bucks,” she said to WWD. “It’s great fun. I like it a lot. Who would think I would be a 97-year-old cover girl?”

silvermagazine

If you’d like to receive a regular mini-magazine direct to your inbox with a selection of editorial features to read at your leisure, please sign up for our newsletter. We also run the odd competition and offer and whatnot, and newsletter members get the heads-up first.

The post Iris Apfel finally goes pro with IMG Models appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Pope rose to fame in the 90s, capturing some of world’s biggest rock and pop stars, and he’s chosen a collection of 13 previously unseen images, looking back on his favourite shoots from the past two decades.

They include two rare David Bowie portraits and an extraordinary image of the legend in his Indian stage outfit (header image) ahead of his Amnesty International show, where he invited Pope to shoot him on stage and the photographer had to pretend to take shots, as “my film had run out!”

The collection also features a Warhol and Velvet Underground-inspired shot of Blondie legend Debbie Harry…

…and Pope’s own hero Lou Reed.

There’s an iconic shot of Morrissey who Pope ‘drove in his cigarette and fast food festooned car’, much to his embarrassment…

And an intimate hotel room portrait of Radiohead during a tour with REM

And one of our particular favourites, a young Aphex Twin

As well as these, there’s also a PJ Harvey and rare images of Britpop legends Jarvis Cocker, Ian Brown, Damon Albarn and The Bluetones.

To see the full collection head to the Zebra One Gallery, where you can make these your own (www.zebraonegallery.com). Gallery owner and curator Gabrielle Du Plooy says, “These are remarkable images of some of the world’s biggest musical icons, which capture them in ways rarely seen. Thanks to Pat’s amazing reputation, skill and relationships with them, each photograph tells a powerful story.”

Exhibition is on until the end of September 2017 and each image will be printed in editions of ten, available for purchase for £1,500 each.

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Rare rock photos by Pat Pope appeared first on Silver Magazine.

In 2016 Directors UK found that of 2,500 films made in the UK over the last 10 years, only 13% were directed by women. Not only that, we were disappointed to learn that on average, female directors will direct fewer films in their career, and are less likely to receive a second, third or fourth directing job. In other words, numbers are low for women directors in general but they get even lower as women age.

It’s time to do something about this! Whilst we champion talent from both (all!) sexes here at Silver, we think perhaps it’s time to redress the balance a bit?

WOMEN OVER FIFTY FESTIVAL
The Women Over 50 Film Festival (WOFFF) is an international film festival aiming to redress this age and gender imbalance. This celebration of women over 50 in front of and behind the camera is launching its third annual weekend of films and activities for older women and their friends.
The festival takes place on 16th & 17th September 2017 in Brighton, East Sussex, UK and organisers are now putting out the final call for global short film submissions. More than 90 have been received to date from all over the world and the deadline for submissions is 31st July.

Festival Director Nuala O’Sullivan said: “One of our goals this year is to reach a wider, even more diverse audience. We want to raise awareness of our film festival – how it deals with age and gender issues, as well as how it tackles older people’s social isolation in Brighton, the UK and beyond. We want to invite people to become part of the WOFFF family as festival filmmakers, audience members, workshops participants or, for those not able to attend the festival, as part of the WOFFF online community”.

WOFFF 2016 award Best Drama winner

This unique two-day festival will also feature an all-female panel event, filmmaker Q&As, and workshops on making a film on your smart phone. Plus the tips and tricks of shooting great drama from TV director Tracey Rooney (Holby City and Coronation Street).

We’re very much looking forward to the launch of WOFFF on Thursday 14 September with a screening of Mamma Mia! at the Duke of York’s Picturehouse at Preston Circus Brighton.

This is the perfect choice as it not only stars three strong, older women – Meryl Streep, Julie Walters and Christine Baranski – but also has three strong, older women behind the camera – writer Catherine Johnson, producer Judy Craymer and director Phyllida Lloyd. It’s a Silver tour de force!

WOFFF closes on the Sunday evening with an awards ceremony and jury prizes for all winning filmmakers for several categories including Best Drama, Best Experimental film and the all-important Audience Choice Award.

HOW TO SUBMIT
The rules for submitting a film to the festival are simple. Each film must:

• have a woman over 50 at the heart of it on screen, or have a woman over 50 in the core creative team (writer, director or producer)
• be no more than 20 minutes in length for drama, animation and experimental or no more than 30 minutes for documentary
• be in English or have English subtitles

If you have an entry to submit you can do so by clicking HERE and here at Silver we’d love to hear about it too so let us know if you get involved!

For more information about the Women Over 50 Film Festival 2017, visit www.wofff.co.uk

silvermagazine

If you’d like to receive a regular mini-magazine direct to your inbox with a selection of editorial features to read at your leisure, please sign up for our newsletter. We also run the odd competition and offer and whatnot, and newsletter members get the heads-up first.

The post Women over Fifty Film Festival calling in talent from directors now… appeared first on Silver Magazine.