Fantastic Fest 2025 – If you want a break from the constant barrage of bad news, let me suggest watching the documentary Silver Screamers. It’s truly an uplifting 90 minutes about a group of senior citizens who make a short horror film called The Rug. The documentary is both a love letter to the filmmaking process and proof that we shouldn’t discount senior citizens. In a limited amount of time, they managed to make their own film.
The project came to be because writer/director Sean Cisterna was continually denied funding opportunities to make a film. He then discovered a Canadian government program aimed at encouraging seniors to remain active. He seized upon that opportunity to make The Rug. Though the group of seniors did have mentors on set to help guide them through the process, for the most part, they made the short on their own. Not only did some of them act in it, but they also worked behind the scenes and behind the camera. Really, the entire production succeeded because of them, but not without hiccups.
The documentary does show how difficult filmmaking can be and all the little challenges that can threaten a production. Most of the seniors had absolutely no experience working on a film, and some of them expressed their disdain for horror films generally. There’s a great scene where they all watch The Exorcist together. Some stare at the screen, wide-eyed, in fascination, while others look aghast. Meanwhile, while some of them worked in theater and even puppetry, very few of them ever acted or operated a camera and other tools. There’s more than one scene showing their struggles to learn the equipment so they can meet various deadlines.
While the documentary does focus on the creative process and creating the film, it’s also very careful to share the stories of the seniors. For the most part, the audience comes to learn about everyone involved with the filmmaking process. These stories are dispersed throughout the narrative, and they enhance the documentary’s overall feel-good tone. For instance, Diane Ament, who was appointed makeup artist, states how she lost her husband and how working on the film allows her to take her mind off her grief. Once the film premieres at a local theater, to a packed house, you can’t help but cheer on Diane and the others for such a major accomplishment. You feel like you get to know them.
We also get a few stories from the various mentors and experienced film crew on set. For instance, The Rug’s writer, Edo van Belkom, shares a gripping story about his mom’s dementia and his own fears about mortality. All of these personal narratives elevate the documentary, while really pulling at the heartstrings. Overall, the documentary weaves these personal stories with the broader story about making a film. It’s a perfect balance.
Silver Screamers is a well-crafted, touching documentary. Once the credits roll, you can’t help but walk away feeling inspired. This film has dashes of humor and a lot of heart. Filmmaking certainly isn’t easy, but this documentary is a fine tribute to a group of seniors who managed to create their own short film and debut it before a packed house.
