Reigniting a ‘love for cinema’: Independent film tackles challenges of aging and mental decline

For Shutesbury filmmaker Samantha Rose Valletta, bringing “Watching Mr. Pearson” to the Greenfield Garden Cinemas is more than just another stop on a national tour — it’s a homecoming. Crafted by a team of New England-based creators, the film tackles the universal challenges of aging, mental decline and caring for loved ones.

“I’m just excited to bring it to Greenfield … I’m really excited for smaller areas surrounding all of the local theaters we’re at; to be able to come out and see a story that maybe reflected their own life,” Valletta said. “I think it’s a great film and any chance that we can show work done by filmmakers that live in Massachusetts [is good].”

The 80-minute independent film will be shown at the Greenfield movie theater on Wednesday, April 29, followed by a Q&A with the director and producers.

Captured over a 16-day production window on the coast of Connecticut, the film was written, directed and produced by Dillon Bentlage, co-written by Simon Kincade, and produced by Brian Reilly and Valletta.

The film’s plot follows Robert Pearson (played by Hugo Armstrong), a retired actor who is experiencing a slow mental decline after being diagnosed with dementia. As his condition worsens, his caretakers, Caroline (Dominika Zawada) and Miguel (Luis Miguel Garcia Rizo), must work together to save Mr. Pearson’s “luminous star from fading to black.”

Valletta related the film’s themes to local towns such as Montague, where the community practices “aging in place.”

“It’s really just a community initiative to take care of your neighbors as they age, allowing them to do so with dignity, grace and friendship,” Valletta said.

Both Bentlage and Reilly grew up in Shelton, Connecticut, which fostered their relationship with the “Connecticut Sound,” the people of the region and the filming location at Villa Louise in Guilford.

In addition to her work as a producer, Valletta, who is known for her acting work in the New England scene for her portrayal as Sister from Lawrence and as the National Floors Direct host, Valletta was the second assistant director for “Watching Mr. Pearson.” She also acted in the film, portraying the character of “Madeline.”

“Playing Madeline was wonderful. The story is so touching — being able to time jump decades was an enjoyable and deeply interesting experience,” Valletta said in a statement. “It was also an artistic reprieve from the all consuming job of producing and AD’ing (assistant directing). Grateful for this entire production and the hardworking team who made this film shine.”

Bentlage highlighted Kincade’s connection to the story, explaining that “the subject matter was very personal.” During the writing and filming process, Kincade’s grandfather was battling dementia. 

Following the film screening at Greenfield Garden Cinemas, the filmmakers will participate in a discussion about independent film in Massachusetts. Their stop in Greenfield is only one on their journey across the country, with additional Massachusetts screenings in Somerville and Dennis. 

“There’s a lot that this movie has done that’s kind of reignited love for cinema, at least for me,” Reilly said. “I’ve always loved going to the movies, but the closest theaters to me are big chains. It makes me want to branch out, look at these smaller theaters, and give them more of my business … the environment is just so much nicer and gives you a cooler experience.”

Isaac Mass, owner of Greenfield Garden Cinemas, shared his excitement for the upcoming screening, noting his admiration for indie films and the unique benefits of local theaters.

“There’s nothing better than being the people who were in the audience when that first film was out before anyone else,” he said. “You’re sort of in the know; you’re part of the club that really is a true fan.”

In a time when the media moves at a rapid pace, Valletta celebrated the importance of independent film, and the slow deliberate process that goes into each scene. 

“Living in the modern age that we do … there’s so much content … it can feel very rushed, and it can feel like you’re wicked far behind everyone around you. But films and the filmmakers that I admire can work on a project anywhere from three to five to seven years. It’s a real labor of love, so if you block out the noise, and you create art that’s authentic to your soul … If you can wake up and you can be proud of what it is you created that day, then you’re already ahead of the game,” she said. 

She gave additional advice to young filmmakers who may be just starting their career, highlighting the film community in Massachusetts and the Valley. 

“The film community [in] Massachusetts is very special because we are all true authentic artists that have nothing to do with Hollywood,” she said. “You need to know that this is the only thing that you could see yourself doing in your career and don’t get upset about luck … luck is preparation meets opportunity. So just put your head down and do the work, and when the right moment hits, if you’re ready to go, then the luck will come.”

For more information about the screening or to purchase tickets, visit gardencinemas.net/movie/Watching_Mr_Pearson_w_Director_QA. To get a sneak peek at the film, check out the trailer at vimeo.com/1000936783.