Reel Reflections: Exploring the Life Course through Classic Cinema is a public engagement event hosted by the Centre for Research on Ageing at the University of Southampton, with support from the British Society of Gerontology (BSG). This initiative invites older adults to reflect on the themes of ageing, memory, and identity through the medium of classical film. This session will feature a screening of Ingmar Bergman’s Wild Strawberries (1957) — a profound exploration of reminiscence and ageing through the story of a 78-year-old professor revisiting pivotal moments in his life. The film will be shown in its original Swedish with English subtitles.

Following the screening, participants will engage in small-group discussions, supported by reflective prompts focused on the representation of later life and the relevance of life stages depicted in the film to personal or observed experiences. The event will culminate in a short blog post, to be published in Ageing Issues, capturing key insights and discussions from the day.

Event details: • Date: Thursday, 12 June 2025 • Time: 12:00 PM • Location: University of Southampton, Highfield Campus • Audience: Older adults (Limited to 20 participants) • Cost: Free • Accessibility: Fully accessible venue; parking available for those with mobility needs • Contact: Dr Christoph Heuser (Christoph.heuser@soton.ac.uk)

Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/reel-reflections-exploring-the-life-course-through-classic-cinema-tickets-1347684152579?aff=oddtdtcreator

This event forms part of an ongoing effort to foster meaningful dialogue around ageing and the life course, drawing on cultural and narrative approaches to gerontological engagement.