Lives Well Lived

Lives Well Lived is an engaging, emotional and insightful documentary that was screened in 2018. It chronicles the experiences of forty individuals aged 75 to 100, who share their secrets to living a fulfilling life. The film is a compilation of individual stories about love, resilience, perseverance, passion, and wisdom. Directed by Sky Bergman, the film stars Rose Albano Ballestero, Susy Eto Bauman, and Ciel Bergman as the main faces of a larger inclusive cast.

At the core of Lives Well Lived is a profound exploration of what it means to lead a life well lived, from the perspectives of people who have cumulatively lived nearly 3000 years. These individuals, whose tales span across different cultures, races, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds, come together to provide viewers with invaluable insights into the art of living meaningfully. Their advice isn't based on lofty theories or vague metaphors but deeply rooted in their lived experiences, making the documentary a treasure trove of wisdom that strikes a chord with viewers of all ages.

Rose Albano Ballestero, along with Susy Eto Bauman and Ciel Bergman, leads this group of vibrant, senior narrators, showcasing a zest for life. Their stories, unique as they are, have common threads of resilience, hope, and a love for life. They've lived through wars, discrimination, immigration, and personal loss, yet their spirits remain unbowed, untamed and vibrant.

The documentary unfolds with each participant sharing intimate details of their lives and their concepts of happiness, relationships, and personal growth. Throughout Lives Well Lived, these narratives are woven together into a tapestry that celebrates the complexity and beauty of life. Each story serves as a profound reminder of the wisdom that comes with age and the importance of seizing every moment.

The director, Sky Bergman, imbues Lives Well Lived with her artistic sensibility, helping the viewers connect with the storytellers and their stories. Notably, the filmography is simple yet elegant, complemented by a rich selection of archival footage and photographs from the featured participants' personal collections. These visuals not only provide a snapshot of the world these individuals lived in but also help viewers understand the historical context that shaped their experiences.

Lives Well Lived also comments upon the fast-paced life of contemporary society that often forgets to slow down and value the experiences of our elderly citizens. By putting them at the forefront of the narrative, the film emphasizes the importance of listening to their wisdom and learning from their experiences instead of relegating them to the margins. Through this documentary, it becomes abundantly clear that they continue to be active participants in life, carving out spaces for joy, love and dreams, significantly enhancing their own lives as well as the lives of those around them.

This inspiring documentary serves as a tribute not only to the people featured within its frames but to the power of storytelling itself. It generates a space for dialogue about our common humanity, our ability to overcome adversity, and our universal quest to lead lives well lived. Each story told, each laughter shared, and each tear shed does not just communicate a personal narrative, but a shared human adventure that is captivatingly real and relatable.

A stand-out point in Lives Well Lived is its celebration of diversity. Whether it is through the stories of immigrants who came to America in search of better opportunities or through the experiences of women fighting against societal norms, the documentary showcases that a life well lived can take multiple paths. It's a proclamation that despite their advanced age, these individuals continue to embody strength, resilience, innovation, and spirit.

In conclusion, Lives Well Lived is more than just a documentary; it’s a testament to the endurance of the human spirit. It creates a compelling narrative that inspires and educates, providing a fresh perspective on the inevitable process of aging. The film serves as a poignant reminder that irrespective of our age or background, everyone has stories to share and wisdom to impart. And above all, it underscores the virtue of living life passionately and to the fullest, no matter what challenges come our way. Lives Well Lived provides an open invitation for viewers to question their own paths and routines, and it may even guide them into pursuing their own lives well lived.