Greenfield Community College culminates this year’s Cyber-Senior program with a film festival featuring the work of the student-senior partners.

The Cyber-Seniors project is a collaboration between older adults and young people who provide technology training and support using an intergenerational volunteer model.

This year, six young people (including GCC students) have paired with six older adults in our region to make short films that will be featured during the event.

The film debut will be held Thursday November 14 from 5:30-7 p.m. at GCC’s campus Dining Commons. Dinner will be included. Participants will also talk about the intergenerational bonds that have grown as a result.

Associate Dean for Community Engagement Judy Raper who oversees the initiative said, “Seeing this project come to fruition is truly a dream come true. It so eloquently captures the beauty of the bonds that can develop between generations.”

Youth participant/GCC student Jessica Lenihan adds, "The film project allowed my partner and I to explore her passion for gardening. It brought me joy to connect with her over something that is such an important part of her life. We had fun and got out of our comfort zone!"

This project was overseen by independent filmmaker and GCC alum Julian Lowenthal who recently directed "Money Game," which was featured at the Greenfield Garden Cinemas.

Lowenthal said, “I’m impressed and inspired by the dedication and hard work everyone has put into their film projects, especially in such a short amount of time. I feel each group has created a powerful and encouraging short film that will inspire others"

This program is made possible by a grant from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs and in partnership with the Greenfield Senior Center.

Registration is at https://www.gcc.mass.edu/events/franklin-county-intergenerational-film-festival/.