Care homes aren’t an obvious setting for a Christmas comedy, but Merry Christmas Aubrey Flint is making the case for one.
Care UK staff at the Premier of Merry Christmas Aubrey Flint
The film, released in UK cinemas today (6 November), follows a struggling care home facing redevelopment, where an unlikely production of A Christmas Carol brings everyone together.
John Bradley stars as Aubrey Flint, alongside Celia Imrie, Richard E. Grant and Jim Broadbent.
Arguably, the film’s release couldn’t have come at a better time. Care homes are starting to prepare for the festive season, a time when loneliness can be particularly difficult for older people.
Research from Age UK shows 2.3 million older people wish for company over Christmas, while 1.6 million find Christmas Day the hardest.
Following a partnership with the film’s production companies, care home provider Care UK has arranged for the film to be screened in its homes over the next couple of weeks.
Hundreds of its staff were also invited to attend the film’s premier on Monday at Picturehouse central in London’s West End.
Jack Spring, director of Merry Christmas Aubrey Flint, said: ‘It’s amazing to be working with Care UK on the film. I’m really pleased to have a partner who shares the same values as the film makers as we look to promote the celebration and inclusion of the elderly in society.’
Care UK colleagues with director Jack Spring
Jacqui White, director of marketing and communications at Care UK, added: ‘As we enter the festive period, we are delighted to be able to celebrate the fact that Care UK colleagues and others in the care sector are going above and beyond to ensure those living in our homes feel loved and supported.’
Shush Films and SUMS are the production companies behind the work.
Andy Brunskill, a producer who worked on the feature, said while he hopes the film will appeal to everyone its ‘about community, the prevention of loneliness and ultimately the saving of a care home from redevelopment, so Care UK was the perfect partner for it.
‘It’s so great to be able to give residents in Care UK homes across the UK an opportunity to see the film this festive season, with an audience in the homes’ in-house cinemas.’
Images: Care UK
In related news:
Leave a Reply