Name of journalist | Magnus Renggli |
Website |
Winner of the 2024 Anti-Stigma-Award.
Description
The aim was to document the personal lives of the couple and the relatives concerned over a longer period of time. To capture the highs and lows in order to exemplify the opportunities and challenges faced by those affected by Alzheimer's, as well as those around them. The aim was to create more understanding in society for the special life situation of Alzheimer's families.
Addressing stigma
We allowed the affected person and their partner to talk openly about their experiences and actively asked them where they experience stigma and what they would like society to do about it. The protagonists' personal statements triggered a sense of connection and concern that probably made the viewers question their own actions.
Target audience
As a documentary by a Swiss public television station, the target audience was the general public. The viewing figures in the broadcast as well as the numbers online plus the lively comments showed that the goal was achieved – and that the film touched both young and old, those affected and those not affected.
Stakeholder involvement
The people involved have been in dialogue with the editor in charge for some time and have met and talked to each other several times. A relationship of trust was necessary, as well as a profound conviction that they wanted to take part in this film and present themselves to the audience in all their vulnerability. It was important to both the Alzheimer's sufferer and his partner to draw attention to the topic and sensitise the audience. That was the reason why they agreed to the project.
Impact
In the run-up to the broadcast, Alzheimer Switzerland promoted the film both internally and externally, attracting many curious viewers, as evidenced by the numerous likes and shares on social media.
Following the broadcast, Alzheimer Switzerland disseminated further information about the documentary. The related social media posts generated an extraordinary number of interactions and, notably, numerous personal comments.
Additionally, managers from cantonal sections and other organisations informed us that they would use the film for future training purposes.
It was also nice to hear from employees how impressive the film was for friends and acquaintances from the private sphere who have had little or no contact with dementia so far.