A group of seniors debuts “The Challenge”

On April 23, the short film ‘El Reto’ premiered at the García Lorca Theatre in San Fernando de Henares. What makes this event special—apart, of course, from the film itself—is the people who brought it to life. The team consists of around twenty older adults between the ages of 65 and 85. The group, formed at the town’s Senior Citizens’ Center, presented its second short film, produced entirely by its members, except for the soundtrack, provided by the Municipal School of Music, and the making-of documentary, produced by the Axur7 association. A white limousine brought the protagonists to the premiere, nervous and impressed by the crowd of photographers waiting for them. The director, Agapito Aguilar, who is nearly eighty, commented: “The screenplay was very demanding; it took us seven months to write it, with six minds working on it: several mechanics, a lathe operator, and even a sliced-bread delivery driver.” ‘El Reto’ portrays the day-to-day life of a couple from 1963 to 2005, their effort and hard work continuing as they care for their grandchildren. It raises issues such as relationships with children, caring for and respecting older people, and the path to achieving a dignified old age. The short film was warmly and enthusiastically received by the 500 spectators who attended the screening. After a well-deserved rest, this wonderful team of filmmakers intends to create a third short film.