Leftovers

"Leftovers" is a very important documentary and I encourage you to see it. This is because in western societies, particularly here in the United States, the elderly have somehow been consigned to a second-class status. It's not necessarily intentional, but often the oldest folks are also the neediest and most neglected folks. "Leftovers" talks about this…and how many seniors are going hungry for many, many reasons. It's not simply because these folks didn't plan for retirement but many do without because they are physically unable to get up and down stairs or cook for themselves. Many have a difficult time finding money for food because medication costs can be so high. And, some are caring for grand kids or are disabled and need assistance. Director Seth Hancock does a good thing with this documentary about exposing these many reasons as well as a few ways we can help meet this need. It's a film we all should watch…even if it isn't the most pleasant or exciting topic.

So do I have any complaints about this film…at least from a technical point of view? Yes. While the subject is very important, Hancock makes a big mistake that deflects away from the plight of the elderly. Often, he makes the film about himself. At the beginning, the camera is on him and he talks about the journey he took learning about the hungry elderly. Then, at about the 70 minute mark, he uses the word 'I' again and again and again as he talks about himself and how he perceives the plight of the hungry seniors. This is a huge mistake because it makes the movie about him and not the folks who need our help. Fortunately, it's a forgivable mistake…as the rest of the film is so compelling and pushes you to act…signs of a good documentary. It's also very forgivable because it's Seth Hancock's first film…and a very impressive freshman effort despite this one quibble. I hope to see more from him…and hope he learns that by putting his subjects first and foremost he'll have a more effective and hard-hitting picture.

Greetings again from the darkness. I can't recall a documentary every starting with the filmmaker explaining that the subject matter was neither a passion, nor even something he was particularly interested in. But that's exactly how Seth Hancock opens his film. He claims to never have thought much about aging, yet was asked to make a film on hunger within the senior citizen community, based on his experience as a photographer.

"Food Insecure" seniors was a new description learned during the film. The statistics show 6 million seniors go hungry every day, and there are others who experience uncertainty over the when/where/what of their next meal. These are the 'lost and forgotten'. It's a national disgrace. Meals on Wheels was a major backer of the film, as were some other organizations that assist seniors.

Director Hancock divides the film into three parts: Learning to Care, Giving a S**T, and Looking for Solutions. He bounces around the United States and offers segments based in Marin County California, Owsley County Kentucky, Orlando, Detroit, and Austin. Each area has their own issues, but the problems are remarkably similar – we just don't do a very good job of making sure the elderly have enough to eat, and are properly cared for.

It's pointed out that these are the folks who fought our wars, built our towns, and educated our populace. They deserve better. There is a particularly interesting interview with Carla Laemmle, a former dancer and actress. She is the niece of the legendary Carl Laemmle who founded Universal Studios. Carla explains that without her daily delivery from Meals on Wheels she would be "stuck" in a retirement center or hospital, instead of living in her own home.

The film mixes in interviews with the CEO's of Meals on Wheels and AARP, as well as numerous senior citizens and volunteers. Many statistics are provided throughout, and it's noted that every dollar invested in Meals on Wheels saves up to $50 in Medicaid. Other statistics are equally stunning and eye-opening, including the projected number of seniors in 2020 and the importance of Social Security benefits as the bulk of income for seniors.

Frustration with government and politicians is expressed many times, as is the good-heartedness of so many folks (many of whom also are frustrated by bureaucracy) who strive to bring a little joy – and food – into the lives of unfortunate seniors. Health Care and Socialization are touched on, as is the contrast in Texas of the applications for handguns (1 page) versus food stamps (18 pages). The issue of hunger for senior citizens is not going away, and it's time for real solutions – not just because it's the humane thing, but also because the folks deserve better.

A friend told me about this title and I was incredibly reluctant to see it because, as I would discover, I didn't really care about this subject matter just like the filmmaker. But as I started watching it I quickly realized how intriguing and interesting this subject is to me.

About halfway through I started to think more and more about my parents, their future and my future. This is not a subject matter I've ever really considered or pondered but the more and more this film progressed the more and more I started to get sad about what is happening. The positive from this is that I will be volunteering at my local food bank or Meals on Wheels.

Please see this film. I know it may not be a sexy subject matter but it's relevant and could be an issue that affects all of us in the future.