The Big Stories Program: Helping Older Australians Preserve Their Life Stories on Film
The Twilight Aged Care residents featured in the films of our first screening.
Everyone has a story worth preserving.
That belief is at the heart of Big Stories Little Films, where we create professional life story films that preserve people's memories, family history and photographs for future generations.
But we also wanted to find a way to help more older Australians experience the joy of recording and sharing their own stories.
That's how the Big Stories Program was born.
In August and September 2026, we partnered with Twilight Aged Care in Sydney to pilot the program with residents and their families. Over three weeks, participants learnt how to turn a meaningful memory into a short film, culminating in a special community screening where their stories were celebrated on the big screen.
Learning how to tell a life story on film
The Big Stories Program combines storytelling, simple filmmaking skills and personal reflection.
Participants were guided through the process of choosing a meaningful story, thinking about what makes a story engaging and learning practical techniques for recording themselves using technology they already had access to.
For our inaugural program, we gave participants one simple prompt:
“If I could relive one day again, it would be…”
The responses took us into all kinds of moments from across a lifetime.
There were stories of childhood, family, love, travel, migration, adventure and significant moments that had remained vivid decades later.
Some participants recorded independently, while others created their films with children, grandchildren or other family members.
By the end of the program, residents and their families had created 21 individual short films.
More than preserving memories
One of the most rewarding parts of the Big Stories Program was seeing what happened when the stories were shared.
A life story can preserve something precious for children and grandchildren, but storytelling can also create connection in the present.
The films gave residents an opportunity to learn more about one another. They sparked conversations between generations. Families heard memories they may never have heard before.
And importantly, participants weren't simply being interviewed about their lives. They were actively involved in choosing, shaping and recording the stories they wanted to tell.
Celebrating the stories on the big screen
The program culminated in a special screening at Twilight Aged Care, bringing together residents, families, staff and guests.
Twenty-one short films were shown on the big screen, with drinks, popcorn and plenty of conversation as each participant's story was celebrated.
There was laughter, emotion and a wonderful sense of pride in what had been created.
It was a fitting end to a program designed not only to preserve stories, but to celebrate the people behind them.
Why preserving our life stories matters
At Big Stories Little Films, we spend a lot of time talking to families about the importance of recording the stories of parents, grandparents and older relatives.
Photographs and family trees can tell us names, places and dates. A film can preserve something different.
It can capture someone's voice, expressions, humour and personality, as well as the stories and memories that might otherwise disappear over time.
Whether it is a professionally produced life story film or a short story someone learns to record themselves, the most important thing is that these stories aren't lost.
Bringing the Big Stories Program to other communities
Following the success of our inaugural program with Twilight Aged Care, we're now exploring opportunities to bring the Big Stories Program to other retirement living, aged care and community organisations.
The program is designed to bring people together through storytelling while giving participants practical skills and a meaningful finished film they can share with their families.
Each program culminates in a celebratory screening, turning individual memories into a shared community experience.
If you represent a retirement living, aged care or community organisation and would like to explore bringing the Big Stories Program to your community, we'd love to hear from you.
Preserve your family's life story on film
Big Stories Little Films also creates professionally produced life story films for individuals, couples and families across Australia.
Our films combine in-depth interviews with family photographs, archival material and personal memories to create a lasting documentary that can be passed down through generations.
If there's someone in your family whose stories you don't want to lose, you can learn more about our Life Story Films or get in touch to discuss the right film for your family.
Because every family has stories worth preserving.
