Animator Amara Gantz brings empathy to the debilitating illness dementia

Hundreds of Australians are diagnosed with dementia every day and a new short film by a Tasmanian animator aims to help people better understand the terminal condition. SEE THE FILM >>

YOUNG award-winning Tasmanian animator Amara Gantz knew little about dementia before she made a short-film highlighting the social isolation experienced by people with the illness.

Ms Gantz, 19, did plenty of research on dementia before she began working on the three-and-a-half-minute film, Rosa and Max, in collaboration with the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre.

“I knew so little about dementia but with animation I’ve always wanted to make people feel emotions and I hope the film does that,” Ms Gantz said.

“One of the reasons I love animation is because I know it has the ability to make people have more empathy,

“Working on this animation made me realise just how important education about dementia is.”

The animated film follows Rosa, a fictional character inspired by the real experiences and stories shared by participants in the Wicking Centre’s online course, Understanding Dementia.

Animator Amara Gantz at her Sandy Bay home office. Picture: Eddie Safarik

The film highlights the risk of social isolation for people living with dementia and how those around them can support people with dementia to remain engaged in the community and in their everyday lives.

It was made during Covid-19 and across continents with Ms Gantz working in Portland, Oregon, on the upcoming Guillermo del Toro animated film Pinocchio, which will be shown next year on Netflix.

Ms Gantz was born in Oregon but came to Tasmania when she was four.

“I truly hope this story about Rosa helps the audience realise what they can do to care for their loved ones and those around them with dementia.”

Professor of Dementia Studies and Education Fran McInerney said the film encouraged people to learn more about dementia.

“Rosa is a character that many people can relate to – she loves music, board games and her dog, Max,” Professor McInerney said.

“She is living independently and, while the symptoms of her dementia pose serious challenges, with supportive and understanding people around her she has the best chance of continuing to enjoy and actively participate in life.

“Our hope is that the more people are educated about this condition, the better quality of life people with dementia will have.”

Dementia is a terminal condition with about 250 people in Australia diagnosed with the condition every day.