Call for help to make ageism film

David Roulston from Mullan road outside Ballymoney is appealing for financial help so he can direct a film to educate people on the effects of age discrimination.

David a former pupil at Ballymoney High School explained: “The short film is called ERNIE and its about ageism in today’s society, it will be roughly six to seven minutes in length and we aim to use it as an educational tool to educate people young and old on the effects of age discrimination.

“The film will be directed and produced by myself. I have an extreme interest in producing films with deep meanings sewn into them, and I have been passionate about film making from a young age.

“The film is written by Gina Kidd a passionate screenwriter and novelist from Glengormley who uses her background in psychology to help bring deep meaning to her writing and putting the message across.”

Addressing the issue of ageism, David continued: “This project is important to us, because we have seen on a daily basis how ageism is a prominent problem in today’s culture. In doing this short film, and hopefully getting it distributed through the right channels ie. schools, colleges, charities and larger media outlets we hope to get the word across artistically about this growing problem and educate others.

“The story is of Ernie a 55-year-old man who still lives with his mother. He ventures out to buy a dress for his mother as she is invalid. He is confronted by some youths who bully and shout ageist remarks at him, this in turn sends Ernie into a flashback of his youth. We then see connections that Ernie was once just like the youths that are tormenting him. We hope this will draw out a connection in many young people watching this short heart felt film.”

Appealing for financial assistance, David added: “In contributing to our film you will be contributing to spreading awareness of this problem while educating and making a change in the process.

“The funding we are asking for is £2,000, all the proceeds will go to paying actors, crew and hiring equipment and to help us through the pre and post production process. Any excess funds we have left will be put into making future shorts on many topics promoting awareness.

“We hope to also enter the film into film festivals and integrate it into schools so we can broaden its reach to the world whatever way we can.”

For more information on the film and ourselves at on their crowdfunding website www.indiegogo.com/projects/ernie-a-film-about-ageism