Laurent Goldstein shares an anecdote.
Just after Christmas last year, the Vancouver-based filmmaker found himself in Melfort, Sask., at a seniors residence for a prescreening of his first feature film, Your Second Fifty: Rising Above the Fears of Aging.
"It's about inspiring people not to buy into the preconceived ideas that we've been taught when it comes to aging and what is supposed to happen when we age and to inspire them to not buy into that and to create the life they want no matter how old or how young they are," says Goldstein, 60, president of Citrus Pie Media Group.
Following the Melfort showing, an 85-year-old woman approached him.
"She came to me and she said, 'You know, your film really inspired me to actually play the violin again. I used to play the violin, I have a violin at home, but I haven't played the instrument in 30 years. Do you think it's too late for me to start taking lessons again?' Isn't that wonderful?" says Goldstein.
"That's the kind of thing that really motivates me," he adds.
Since the official release of the film last January in Vancouver, Goldstein, who directed the work, as well as co-wrote and co-produced it with Frank Moffatt, has been presenting screenings across North America. He continues to be pleased with feedback from viewers, sharing stories of how they too have been inspired to make positive changes in their respective lives.
Goldstein is excited for the film to be making its North Shore debut Monday, Jan. 25 at West Vancouver's Kay Meek Centre. The event will kick off with a business networking event at 5 p.m., followed by a presentation entitled Mid-Life Reboot by cast member Aurora Winter of Los Angeles, the film screening and a QA. Your Second Fifty: Rising Above the Fears of Aging came together as a result of a chance meeting a couple of years ago in Calgary between Goldstein and his partner on the project, Moffatt, who shared that he had written a book of the same name when he turned 50.
"I loved the concept of the book. He told me that he was actually looking for a way to do a feature film from the book. Of course the fact that we just met was like almost serendipity in a way. . . . Me being in the video world and being a director, it was a beautiful opportunity for us to work together on creating the film," says Goldstein.
Your Second Fifty explores what Goldstein refers to as "the five dimensions of life," which include the financial, mental, emotional, spiritual and physical.
"We basically travelled the world, we went to six countries to interview experts and get their take on how people can create their own reality, create their own life and improve their life in all of these dimensions," he says.
The film has "an amazing cast," says Goldstein and features interviews with more than 40 speakers and experts on aging, life, health and wellness, nutrition and science. Those featured include Dr. John Demartini, Bob Proctor, David Wolfe, Naomi Judd, Dr. Daniel Amen, Bruce Allen and Arielle Ford.
Dr. Bruce Lipton, author of The Biology of Belief, is also featured and provides the "scientific backbone of the film," says Goldstein. "It was important to have him in it because it brings so much weight and creditability," he says.
Goldstein encourages community members of all ages to attend the upcoming local screening as he's come to realize the film's message is useful to those under 50 as well as it offers an opportunity for younger people to start implementing good habits now, making a difference later in life. In addition, it offers a chance for them to gain a better understanding of what older generations are going through and where they're coming from.
"There's so many, I would say golden nuggets, wisdom pearls in the film, that it's inspiring for people and that's really what I wanted to do," he says.
In addition to continuing to screen Your Second Fifty, Goldstein is working on his next feature documentary, To Life, Death and Beyond.. . The Music of Magma, showcasing the band from France, which is set to tour North America once again in the coming months. "They're having huge success worldwide and they've been around for a very long time," he says.
"Their music is so amazing that I just want more people to discover the music of Magma," he adds.
Your Second Fifty: Rising Above the Fears of Aging, Monday, Jan. 25 at West Vancouver's Kay Meek Centre. Networking event: 5 p.m. Film screening: 7:15 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door, $30 for both events, or $10 for just the film.
