SORRY I MISSED YOUR CALL (2025)
Through a series of real voicemails, SORRY I MISSED YOUR CALL guides us through the emotional turmoil of a woman caretaking for her grandmother with Alzheimer's.
writer . director . producer . animator
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
This 5-minute mixed media animation is based on the seven years wherein I was a caretaker for my grandparents as they developed Alzheimer’s. I took on the responsibility of providing care in the absence of other support options, as well as in the lack of financial means to seek further support. Not knowing how to set proper boundaries and feeling the weight of having the well-being of loved ones in my hands, I felt a mix of emotions. While I felt gratitude that I was able to care for those who had done so much for me, I also felt intense shame and guilt over the emotional burnout I felt as a lone untrained caretaker.
It wasn’t until nearly a decade later that I met others who had been young caretakers in some capacity, whether due to old age, degenerative diseases, addiction, cancer, diabetes, or depression, among other reasons. What we often connect on is how isolating of an experience it was as we became unable to relate to our peers, how we at times felt robbed of the opportunity to live out our youth, and the immense guilt we felt. Many of us did not expect to become caretakers when we did, so we there were instances when we felt ill-prepared for the job. There are many ways that one may be called to caretaking and it is important to prepare younger demographics to start having these conversations early on.
We must have active conversations about what caretaking and caretaker support look like currently, as well as what they could look like moving forward. With younger generations finding it increasingly more difficult to reach financial stability, outsourcing care is often an unattainable option for many families. The future of caretaking falls on us all to figure out.
Furthermore, because degenerative diseases are associated with more advanced ages, there is a common misconception that they are a natural part of aging. However, we can raise awareness to further studies dedicated to these diseases in order to make a difference in both preventing and treating this future for others.
❀
This project is the proud recipient of Voices With Impact’s 2025 Production Grant.
