Silver Screamers
SILVER SCREAMERS (2025)
Scroll to the bottom for tickets. June is Seniors’ Month in Ontario! Enjoy a screening of the film and talkback with filmmaker Sean Cisterna about the process of working with a film crew of senior citizens learning on the job.
Silver Screamers is a heartwarming and spine-tingling documentary that follows a group of spirited senior citizens as they embark on an extraordinary adventure far outside their comfort zones: creating a horror film. In a quaint retirement community, a diverse group of retirees ranging from former teachers to puppeteers find themselves yearning for excitement and creative expression in their golden years.
Led by a local filmmaker in their community, the seniors pool their talents and resources to produce “The Rug,” a short horror film that will defy expectations and challenge stereotypes. As they dive into the world of filmmaking, they encounter unexpected obstacles and hilariously unforgettable moments. From mastering special effects on a shoestring budget to navigating the complexities of on-set drama, each step of their journey is filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a few hair-raising surprises. But Silver Screamers is more than just a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a a movie. It’s a celebration of friendship, resilience, and the timeless power of creativity.
The screening will be followed by talkback with filmmaker Sean Cisterna, a multi award-winning and versatile film director. His films included the documentary The Long Rider (2022), From the Vine (2020) and Full Out (2015). Cisterna was awarded a Canada 150 Citizenship Award by the Federal Government for his dedication to and community engagement in the arts, as well as a King Charles III Coronation Medal to recognize significant contributions to the country and its communities, or outstanding achievements abroad that bring credit to Canada.
Screenings at 2pm and 6:30 pm.
Are you a museum member? Call or email the museum to reserve your ticket for FREE while space remains.
More about the film from the Toronto Star:
Working on “The Rug”…provided its participants with both purpose and pals, two things that often feel out of reach for many seniors struggling with isolation and ennui, turning “Silver Screamers” into a moving (and often funny) ode to the power of abandoning your comfort zone and forging both community and new skills.
One of Cisterna’s favourite days on set was when 80-year-old SFX coordinator David Swift came up with the winning idea of how to make the murderous rug’s moves look seamless: have a kid do it. That is what he’ll take away from the film, Cisterna says: ‘No matter how old you are, you have a story to tell and you have this creative wisdom and experience to give.'”
