Filmmaker Statement

I wanted to document the quiet normalcy of my grandmother's daily life. When I think of my grandmothers on both sides of my family, I picture them sitting at home, often in silence. The peace and stillness that old age has given them have always intrigued me. When I shared the film with my aunts and family members, I received feedback I hadn’t expected. They said the film served as a memory of their mother, but each came to different conclusions about how their mother lived now. Some saw it as a reflection of her dementia and the way she is slowly forgetting who she once was. Others felt the film showed that Filomena is at peace, receiving God's grace. After that conversation, I want this film to have a life beyond just sending it to close family and friends. I found it beautiful and satisfying how a film could mean different things to those who are close, and love Mi Abuela, Filomena.