DutchSA recently had the privilege of attending a special screening of the inspiring documentary Human Forever at Palace Nova Cinemas in Adelaide, and it’s a film that will stay with us for a long time.
We were especially fortunate to have both Teun Toebes and filmmaker Jonathan de Jong in attendance. Following the screening at Palace Nova, guests gathered at The Elephant British Pub for further conversation, providing a wonderful opportunity to meet the filmmakers, reflect on the documentary, and continue the important discussions it had inspired.
The event also brought together many respected leaders and professionals from South Australia’s aged care sector, including senior leaders from organisations such as Rembrandt Living, highlighting the strong community commitment to improving the lives of people living with dementia.
The documentary follows 24-year-old Dutch humanitarian activist and author Teun Toebes, together with filmmaker Jonathan de Jong, on an extraordinary three-year journey across four continents and 11 countries. Along the way, they explore how different cultures care for people living with dementia and what we can all learn from one another about creating a more compassionate future.
What makes Teun’s story so remarkable is that, at just 24 years old, he chose to live in a secure dementia ward, not as a carer, but as a resident, for three and a half years. His goal was simple yet profound, to better understand the lives of people living with dementia and help improve their quality of life.
The screening was followed by a live Q&A with Teun and Jonathan, giving the audience the opportunity to hear firsthand about their journey, the friendships they formed, and the lessons they learned along the way. Their passion, honesty, and optimism were truly inspiring.
Human Forever isn’t just a documentary about dementia, it’s a story about humanity, dignity, and connection. It challenges us to look beyond the diagnosis and reminds us that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and valued.
We left feeling inspired, hopeful, and grateful to have experienced such an important film. If Human Forever comes to a cinema near you, we highly recommend seeing it. It’s a conversation worth having, and a story well worth watching.
To learn more about the documentary, visit www.human-forever.com.
