Ruby's Choice
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Ruby's Choice is a 2021 Australian drama directed by Michael Budd and produced by Michael Budd and Jessica Butland, & Holly Brisley. It stars the two time Golden Globe winner Jane Seymour, as well as Jacqueline McKenzie, Stephen Hunter and Coco Jack Gillies. The film was financed by philanthropist Sir Owen Glenn of the Glenn Family Foundation[1] and a large percentage of the proceeds will go directly to the Dementia Foundation and their Spark For Life rehabilitation program.[2]
It follows Ruby (played by Jane Seymour) as a woman with early dementia and its impact on her and her family when she is no longer able to live independently. It showcases that people living with Dementia can still offer a meaningful contribution to those around them and that there is still a person there with memories, emotion and value.
The film had its world premiere on February 22, 2022, at the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace and is set to be theatrically released across Australia and New Zealand on March 3, 2022.
On the 7th March 2022, Rubys Choice premiered in Santa Barbara, California at the 37th Santa Barbara International Film Festival where it was Nominee Best International Feature Film.[3]
Plot
Ruby, a sweet creative elderly lady who lives alone, has undiagnosed dementia. After she accidentally burns her house down, she is forced to shift into her daughter Sharon's crowded home and share her granddaughter Tash's bedroom. Tash goes from hating Ruby to loving her as she learns more about some family secrets, and she becomes Ruby's fiercest advocate when Sharon thinks it’s time for a Nursing Home. Unable to access services required to keep Ruby safe, Sharon is faced with the ultimate dilemma to go against Ruby’s wishes or do what she thinks is best for her mother.[4]
Cast
- Jane Seymour as Ruby
- Jacqueline McKenzie as Sharon
- Coco Jack Gillies as Tash
- Stephen Hunter as Doug
- Nicole Pastor as Adult Tash
- Brendan Donoghue as Ken
- Rory Potter as Ned
- Sam Rechner as Jack
- Michael Budd as Zane
Development
Ruby’s Choice was inspired by writer Paul Mahoney’s work as a disability case manager and director/producer Michael Budd's experience of losing his grandmother to dementia. [5][6] Producer Jessica Butland noted that showcasing both drama and humour were important in developing an honest depiction of dementia and its effects on an entire family and that the film was made to "help families who don’t know how to handle a dementia diagnosis" and show that "someone with dementia can still have a meaningful impact in your life, they just have different needs. As a society, we don’t currently know how to meet those needs." [7]
The film was produced by Michael Budd's Amazing People Pictures alongside Brisbane-based production and distribution company Radioactive Pictures. Budd met with philanthropist Sir Owen Glenn and walked him through his plans for the movie and his connection with Dementia Care International and the Spark of Life philosophy.[8] From this conversation, Glenn was inspired to donate his Foundation’s profits because dementia “seemed to be a growing problem with little attention from the public and authorities.”[9]
Jane Verity (Founder of the Dementia Foundation) said: "The story of Ruby’s Choice shares the same heart-centred message as the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life. Ruby’s Choice is about showing the importance of love and compassion, which is also what has drawn Jane Seymour to the role". [10]
The production was halted due to COVID-19 and moved from Queensland to Windsor to complete filming under strict COVID guidelines in August 2020. Budd described shooting a feature film in the middle of a pandemic the most challenging of any of his past feature films. [11]
Release
Ruby's Choice was screened at the Margaret River HEART for CinefestOZ on Sunday 29 August 2021, before its world premiere at February 22, 2022 at the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace. It is set to be theatrically released across Australia and New Zealand on March 3, 2022.
Reception
Marina Marangos of Weekend Notes wrote that the film "handles the difficult subject of dementia with honesty" and provides "a new and heartwarming message about how sometimes we should look beyond the difficulties and see the messages of hope and love through the eyes and lives of people living with dementia".[12]
Awards Nominations
Santa Barbara, California at the 37th Santa Barbara International Film Festival where it was Nominee "Best International Feature Film"
Nominee Film Critics Circle of Australia FCCA Award Best Actor - Supporting Role Stephen Hunter
Nominee Australian Screen Industry Network Feature Film Ruby's Choice
Nominee Australian Screen Industry Network Best Director Michael Budd Ruby's Choice
References
- ^ Andrea Riddell (2020-09-11). "Ruby's Choice: philanthropy and filmmaking". Fundraising & Philanthropy Australasia Magazine. Retrieved 2022-02-25.
- ^ "Ruby's Choice". Dementia Care International. Retrieved 2022-02-25.
- ^ "Santa Barbara Film Festival Sets Lineup; Brit Comedy 'The Phantom Of The Open' To Tee It Off".
- ^ Ruby's Choice Trailer, retrieved 2022-02-25
- ^ "MICHAEL BUDD'S 4TH FEATURE ATTACHES JANE SEYMOUR OBE TO STAR IN DEMENTIA FILM RUBY'S CHOICE". FilmInk. Retrieved 2022-02-25.
- ^ Andrea Riddell (2020-09-11). "Ruby's Choice: philanthropy and filmmaking". Fundraising & Philanthropy Australasia Magazine. Retrieved 2022-02-25.
- ^ "'Ruby's Choice' Gives Hope and Purpose to Families Impacted by Dementia". Hope 103.2. 2022-02-21. Retrieved 2022-02-25.
- ^ Andrea Riddell (2020-09-11). "Ruby's Choice: philanthropy and filmmaking". Fundraising & Philanthropy Australasia Magazine. Retrieved 2022-02-25.
- ^ "Ruby's Choice funder Glenn Family Foundation supports Dementia". Third Sector - News, Leadership and Professional Development. 2020-07-28. Retrieved 2022-02-25.
- ^ "Ruby's Choice". Dementia Care International. Retrieved 2022-02-25.
- ^ "Michael Budd Interview". www.female.com.au. Retrieved 2022-02-25.
- ^ "Rubys Choice - Film Review". www.weekendnotes.com. Retrieved 2022-02-25.