A big thank you to Sean Cisterna Director of Silver Screamers for taking the time to answer these questions.
Silver Screamers is currently featured in the 2026 Melbourne Documentary Film Festival .
- Where might people have seen your work before?
I’ve been fortunate to direct films across a variety of genres over the past twenty years. Some people may have seen Full Out, a gymnastics drama starring Jennifer Beals that streamed on Netflix, or From the Vine, starring Joe Pantoliano, which was shot in southern Italy and released internationally. But I’ve always enjoyed moving between fiction and documentary, and Silver Screamers has become one of the most meaningful projects I’ve ever worked on. - What inspired Silver Screamers?
I’ve always believed creativity has the power to change people’s lives, regardless of age. I started wondering why we don’t see more older adults being encouraged to take creative risks, especially in retirement communities. Then I had this ridiculous idea: what if a group of seniors made a horror film? It sounded funny at first, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized it could be a wonderful way to challenge stereotypes about aging while creating something genuinely entertaining. Once I met the seniors, the film became less about the horror movie and more about their remarkable personal journeys. - Is Silver Screamers the first film you’ve had at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival?
Yes, it is, and I’m absolutely thrilled. I’ve heard wonderful things about the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival and the audiences it attracts. It’s exciting to bring a film with such universal themes to Australia, because I’ve discovered that the conversations around creativity, aging and community resonate no matter where you are in the world. - Apart from the MDFF, where else can people see Silver Screamers?
Silver Screamers recently had its world premiere at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, one of the world’s leading genre film festivals, which was a fantastic launch for the film. We’re currently screening at festivals internationally while also building partnerships with senior organizations, researchers, and community groups. Our goal is to create community screenings that become conversation starters about creativity, aging, and the importance of keeping older adults engaged. So if anyone out there is reading this and works with an organization that represents older adults, or works as a program manager at a retirement community, please connect with me – we’d love to screen the film for your audiences and offer a director Q&A. It’s just like bringing the film festival experience directly to you! - What was your favourite part of making Silver Screamers?
Watching people’s confidence grow. When we started, many of the seniors had never been on a film set before. Some were genuinely nervous about whether they could contribute. But over time you could see them finding their voice, taking ownership of their roles, solving problems, and encouraging one another. By the time we reached the premiere, they weren’t just participants anymore. They were filmmakers. Seeing that transformation was incredibly rewarding.
- Have any of the seniors featured in Silver Screamers been involved with any other film projects?
For most of them, this was their very first experience making a film, which makes what they accomplished even more impressive. A few had creative backgrounds in theatre, or the arts, but almost none had worked on a professional film production before. That’s one of the things I love about the project. It proves that it’s never too late to try something completely new. - Have any of the seniors featured in Silver Screamers asked to work on more of your films?
Absolutely! In fact, that’s one of my favourite outcomes from the whole experience. Many of them caught the filmmaking bug. A few have joked that they’re now waiting for my next call, and honestly, I’d love to work with them again. They brought so much enthusiasm, humour and life experience to the set that they became an essential part of what made the project special. - Do you have any advice for first-time filmmakers?
Start making films with whatever you have. It’s very easy to spend years waiting for the perfect camera, the perfect script or the perfect budget. The truth is, you learn by making things. Every short film teaches you something you couldn’t have learned otherwise. Also, don’t be afraid to tell personal stories. Audiences connect with authenticity far more than spectacle. And perhaps most importantly, surround yourself with kind, collaborative people. Filmmaking is a team sport. - What is The Rug about?
The Rug is a delightfully ridiculous horror short about an elderly woman who discovers a mysterious throw rug with an unusual appetite. Anything left on the rug mysteriously disappears… until eventually the rug develops a taste for people. It’s inspired by a short story by Canadian horror author Edo Van Belkom, and it’s exactly the kind of quirky, low-budget horror film that was perfect for our seniors to bring to life. - Where can people watch The Rug?
Right now, The Rug is primarily being experienced as part of Silver Screamers. But as the documentary screenings started to expand, we had demands to put the film online – so you can check out The Rug on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qeGCVSNeSg – enjoy!
