KITE Research Institute – University Health Network, in partnership with Canada’s National Ballet School and Mid Career Productions (Barrocks Inc.), is hosting a film screening event on September 21st, 2025 @ 2pm at the Betty Oliphant Theatre (404 Jarvis St., Toronto). The event will include a double feature of short films – Sugar Dumplin and Dancer Not Dementia – and a Q&A about the films and their social impact, e.g., challenging stigma associated with dementia. Following the event, there will be a reception for all event attendees next door on the main floor of Canada’s National Ballet School (400 Jarvis St., Toronto). The reception will be catered and feature an art exhibit with artwork created and inspired by people living with dementia. 

Sugar Dumplin, from director and writer Tristan Barrocks and producer Natanya Barrocks, is a poignant tale that stirs together culture, family, and mental health—serving food as the thread that reconnects generations in the face of dementia. Follow a culinary journey of memory and love as a daughter attempts to reconnect with her estranged father through the flavours of his Caribbean childhood as he grapples with dementia.

Dancer Not Dementia, directed by Anthony Grani, is a short documentary film that captures the stories and experiences of dancers living with dementia and their carers. Witness the impact of dance through their eyes and discover the vibrant communities challenging dementia-related stigma with every dance movement.

This event coincides with World Alzheimer’s Day and is part of the Reimagining Dementia: A Creative Coalition for Justice’s “Taking It to the Streets” campaign. The Coalition is an international group of people living with dementia, carers/care partners, family and community members, dementia activists and allies, health professionals, advocates, artists, academics, policymakers and others, who share a vision of care that promotes inclusion, relationships, creativity, joy and the possibility of growth for everyone. Founded in 2020, the Coalition has over 1,000+ members in 38 countries. “Taking It to the Streets”, an international grassroots campaign to shift the narrative about dementia from loss and decline to hope and possibilities, will run from September 21 to October 21, 2025. 

We welcome donations to support initiatives of KITE Research Institute, Canada’s National Ballet School, and Sugar Dumplin that are focused on challenging stigma and fostering a more inclusive society for everyone impacted by dementia. To register for the event, go to: https://reframingdementia.eventbrite.ca.