Pioneering South African documentary Hearts Remember (Pelo ya Hopola) is set to have its global debut at the 17th International Conference on Ageing, taking place in Cape Town from 9 to 12 September.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Paul Modjadji, the documentary offers a poignant exploration of dementia and ageing in modern-day South Africa. Through deeply personal testimony from individuals living with dementia, their families, caregivers, medical experts, and community leaders, the film presents an intimate look at the journey from diagnosis to managing the condition.
Among the stories featured are those of legendary South African soccer coach Clive Barker, whose battle with Lewy body dementia is revealed for the first time, Marinda Breedt, who opens up about her Alzheimer’s journey, and TikToker Nduduzo Kay, who shares his experiences with his grandmother Zithi Elisabeth Khoza, who has been living with dementia for over five years.
Renowned South African TV and film icon Abigail Kubeka lends her voice as narrator, reflecting on her own experience of ageing and learning about cognitive decline.
This marks the first time in 27 years that South Africa will host the International Conference on Ageing, organised by the Toronto-based International Federation of Ageing (IFA). The conference will welcome global delegates to discuss issues around longevity, brain health, and ageing in Africa.
“It is timely to return to the African continent as the young population starts to embrace the future. Today there are some 75 million people in Africa aged 60 years and over, and they will quadruple to around 235 million by 2050.”
the IFA noted
Globally, dementia remains one of the most pressing health concerns. According to the World Health Organisation, more than 57 million people were living with dementia in 2021, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed each year.
Modjadji, an Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health with the Global Brain Health Institute, revealed that Hearts Remember is part of a larger slate of projects focused on raising awareness around brain health and ageing in South Africa. These include the upcoming short film The Last Holiday, starring Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha and Dr Lillian Dube, as well as a six-part documentary series highlighting the realities of dementia in South African communities.
“Our aim is that through these projects we can get South Africans talking about brain health, ageing and dementia. The aim is to raise the profile of dementia advocacy in the country whilst dismantling myths and misconceptions about cognitive degenerative illnesses.”
said Modjadji
“It is our hope that the film will inspire younger generations and the elderly alike to value the beauty of ageing. In this film, we meet inspiring individuals who are living full lives at all ages, defying the challenges presented by the condition.”
Producer Wandile Molebatsi added:
Hearts Remember was made possible through the support of The Alzheimer’s Association, further underscoring the urgent need to elevate dementia advocacy and awareness across South Africa and beyond.
