Sunset Story
Documentary (53 min.)

Against the backdrop of a retirement home for political activists, Sunset Story goes inside the world of two elderly women, Irja Lloyd (81) and Lucille Alpert (95), whose complex relationship becomes a lifeline in their last days. While their minds are sharp as tacks, Irja and Lucille wrestle daily with the obstacles of aging‹dependence on others, lack of stamina, isolation, and living with people who suffer from dementia. We follow Irja and Lucille for a period of several months as, inseparable, they venture out for manicures, political protests and meals at their favorite deli. Meanwhile at home at Sunset Hall, they are among the few who speak up during political discussions; they attempt to revolutionize the appalling menu offerings and, in private, air their frustrations about fellow residents. Then, when Lucille receives a terminal cancer diagnosis, Irja must confront the possibility of losing her lifeline. Irja and Lucille's story reveals both the humanity of elderly women and the intimate drama of aging. In a society in which elders are increasingly isolated and discarded as "unpleasant" reminders of aging, this film allows us to think differently about growing old. Sunset Story allows us to think differently about growing old. It allows us to laugh with sometimes hilarious elderly characters; it takes us into a world we never thought relevant and ends up hitting home with unexpected urgency and emotion.