CCNY Professor Explores the Impact of Dementia on Loved Ones in New Film
Photo: Professor Deirdre Fishel (in red sweater) addressed a journalism class in Shepard Hall in October // Linda Villarosa
Words by Joseph Nunez,
On November 20, CCNY professor Deirdre Fishel will debut her documentary “Facing the Wind.” She recently visited an Intro to Journalism class to discuss her new work and engage students in a thought-provoking discussion about the powerful role of films in shaping societal values and perceptions.
With 25 years of experience writing and directingdocumentaries and dramas, Fishel, who runs City College’s BFA in film and video production, has dedicated her career to creating complex, realistic portrayals that challenge modern stereotypes. Her films often serve as a lens through which viewers can examine social issues, fostering dialogue, and awareness and drawing on contemporary examples that resonate with today’s cultural landscape.
She became interested in work that emphasized how cinema can inspire empathy and understanding in college. A film she saw her sophomore year, which addressed gentrification, captivated her. “It had so much heart and it really connected me with the people and the feeling of being displaced in a community,” Fishel recalled
Her latest film, “Facing the Wind” explores another important, people-centric topic: the experience of caregivers supporting loved ones with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, LBD is a type of dementia that causes problems with thinking, movement, behavior, and mood, typically caused by abnormal deposits of proteins in the brain called Lewy Bodies. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes estimates that 1 million Americans are affected by LBD, but some experts believe this number may be understated, as the symptoms can take years to develop.
In creating the film, Fishel reflects on the strength of the caregiver community. “Facing the Wind” highlights the significant role of women in these groups, who go above and beyond to help their loved ones live as fully as possible, even as their cognitive abilities decline. “That felt like resilience,” she explained. “It feels like a story, very hopeful, about people trying to do something.”
When discussing the deeper themes of the film, Fishel critiques the individualistic nature of American society, where families often bear the burden of caregiving without adequate support.” We should not be thinking about doing this alone,” she said, calling attention to the systemic issues that leave caregivers feeling isolated. “It’s an individualistic capitalist society where each family is meant to take care of this sort of stuff.”
Fishel would like her films to inspire a deeper understanding of societal challenges. “I hope in my own little way I’m making people more aware, more kind and supportive,” she explained, “while making a more supportive, loving, and kind society.”
“Facing the Wind” will be in theaters on November 20th at East Village Cinemas and on November 21st at the IFC. The film will also be available for streaming from November 21st to November 28th.
