The Green Bench Documentary
A heartfelt film celebrating ten years of the #ElderWisdom movement, The Green Bench follows five remarkable residents from Schlegel Villages as they return to meaningful places in their lives. Joan Demetriadis journeys to St. John’s, Newfoundland to reconnect with her roots and reflect on the community that shaped her. Doug Robinson travels to England, revisiting memories of love and adventure. Tom Farr returns to Elmira, Ontario, where his lifelong connections to family and faith come full circle. Doug and Jan Nash visit Ottawa, sharing stories of family, resilience, and changing perceptions of aging and care. Together, their stories illuminate the campaign’s mission—to honour the wisdom of the elder and bridge generations through conversation on the green bench.
Produced by SandBay Entertainment
Official trailer
Interested in attending or hosting a future screening of the film? Complete the form below and we will be in touch. We are setting up an email list to communicate updates.
What is The Green Bench documentary?
The Green Bench is an 83-minute documentary from Schlegel Villages that follows five residents as they return to places that shaped their lives. It is a film about listening, and about what happens when we make room for older adults to be heard. Since its premiere in Kitchener in March 2026, it has been recognized by film festivals in Canada, the United States and Europe.
The bench is a symbol of conversation, listening and connection. The stories in the film challenge ageist assumptions and remind us that the collective wisdom of our elders is one of the greatest untapped resources we have.
At a glance
- What it is: A feature documentary about five Schlegel Villages residents and the wisdom of older adults
- Length: 83 minutes
- Premiere: Kitchener, Ontario, March 2026
- Director: Sarah Fodey
- Produced by: Sandbay Entertainment
- IMDb: The Green Bench on IMDb
- Screen the film: Request to host a screening in your community using the form above.
Recognized on the festival circuit
The Green Bench has been honoured by juries and festivals that celebrate independent and impact-driven filmmaking.
- Impact DOCS Awards: Award of Merit. With Special Mentions for Documentary Feature and for Viewer Impact (Motivational/Inspirational).
- Impact DOCS Awards: Official Selection 2026.
- LA Independent Women Film Awards: Official Selection 2026.
- Brampton Canada International Film Festival: Official Selection 2026. A Canadian festival showcasing diverse voices and independent films from Canada and beyond.
- ARFF Amsterdam International Film Festival: Official Selection 2026. An international film competition celebrating independent filmmaking and creative storytelling from around the world.
How can I watch or host a screening?
Public screenings open in 2027. Libraries, schools, seniors' organizations, faith groups, workplaces, community centres, film clubs and care providers can all host, and there is no fee to host. Read the How to Host a Screening guide or use the contact form above to tell us about your community.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Green Bench documentary?
The Green Bench is an award-recognized, 83-minute documentary from Schlegel Villages that follows five residents as they return to places that shaped their lives. It is a film about listening to older adults and challenging ageist assumptions.
What is the Green Bench?
The Green Bench is a symbol of conversation, listening, storytelling and connection. Schlegel Villages places Green Benches in Villages, communities, colleges, conferences and public spaces to invite people to sit, listen and learn from older adults.
Who should watch the film?
Anyone who wants to understand older adults better. It speaks to families, students, health care and community partners, and people of every age who are curious about aging, memory and meaningful conversation across generations.
Has The Green Bench won any awards?
Yes. It received an Award of Merit from the Impact DOCS Awards, with Special Mentions for Documentary Feature and Viewer Impact. It is also an Official Selection of the Impact DOCS Awards, LA Independent Women Film Awards, Brampton Canada International Film Festival and ARFF Amsterdam International Film Festival, all in 2026.
Where can I watch The Green Bench?
Public screenings open in 2027. In the meantime you can watch the official trailer on this page and invite the film to your community by completing the contact form.
Can my organization host a screening, and does it cost anything?
Yes. Libraries, schools, seniors' organizations, faith groups, workplaces, community centres, film clubs and care providers can host, and there is no fee to host. Hosts receive a streaming link or file, a recorded introduction and promotional materials. Read the How to Host a Screening guide.
What is #ElderWisdom?
#ElderWisdom is a Schlegel Villages initiative that combats ageism, celebrates the wisdom of older adults and creates opportunities for meaningful conversations between generations. Learn more at elderwisdom.ca.
Who made the film?
The Green Bench was directed by Sarah Fodey and produced by SandBay Entertainment. It follows Schlegel Villages residents who generously shared their stories, and it reflects Ron Schlegel's belief that the collective wisdom of our elders is the greatest untapped resource we have.
Keep the conversation going
Explore the #ElderWisdom movement, the Green Bench pledge and free conversation starters at elderwisdom.ca