South African storytelling is set to make a powerful impact on the global stage as the acclaimed documentary Hearts Remember travels to London for a special presentation at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2026.
The thought-provoking documentary, directed by award-winning filmmaker Paul Modjadji, explores the realities of dementia and ageing in South Africa through deeply personal stories of courage, resilience and unconditional love. Following its successful global premiere and local festival screenings, the film will now be presented to one of the world’s leading gatherings dedicated to dementia research and awareness.
Clive Barker’s Untold Dementia Journey Comes to Light
Among the documentary’s most moving stories is the first on-screen account of legendary South African football coach Clive Barker’s experience living with Lewy body dementia.
His son, John Barker, shares an intimate reflection on his father’s final years, offering audiences a rare glimpse into the challenges their family faced.
“The country deserved to know why he wasn’t coaching anymore,” says John Barker in the documentary.
His heartfelt account highlights the emotional realities that many families experience when caring for loved ones living with dementia.
Personal Stories That Challenge Stigma
Beyond Barker’s story, Hearts Remember follows several South Africans whose lives have been shaped by dementia.
The documentary features:
- Marinda Breedt, who openly shares her journey with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Influencer Nduduzo Kay, who reflects on caring for his grandmother, Zithi Elisabeth Khoza, who lived with dementia.
- Television and film legends Abigail Kubeka and Lillian Dube, who contribute personal reflections on ageing and mental health.
Rather than focusing solely on diagnosis, the documentary follows the emotional journey from recognition of symptoms through to caregiving, acceptance and compassion.
A South African Story with Global Relevance
According to director Paul Modjadji, the invitation to present the documentary at AAIC 2026 is both an honour and an important opportunity to elevate conversations around dementia in Africa.
“It is a tremendous honour to be invited to the AAIC 2026 conference to present a collection of deeply moving South African stories on a subject that is hardly spoken about in our society,” says Modjadji.
He explains that every family who participated welcomed the filmmakers into their homes with the hope of increasing awareness while reminding audiences of the importance of love, dignity and human connection throughout the ageing journey.
Love, Care and Compassion at the Heart of the Film
Neurologist and Memorability founder Dr Kirti Rachod believes the documentary captures one of life’s most important lessons.
“One of the greatest lessons is responsibility to care and love even when the only outcome is loss and grief, that even in moments of despair, we are gentle with those we love.”
This message runs throughout the documentary, reminding viewers that dementia affects entire families and communities—not just the individual diagnosed.
Screening at the World’s Leading Dementia Conference
The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2026 takes place at ExCeL London and online from 12 to 15 July 2026.
Recognised as the world’s leading scientific conference dedicated to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, AAIC brings together researchers, clinicians and healthcare professionals from around the world to share the latest advances in dementia science and care.
The presentation of Hearts Remember places South African voices alongside global conversations focused on improving understanding, treatment and awareness of dementia.
Addressing a Growing Challenge Across Africa
The documentary arrives at a critical time as Sub-Saharan Africa experiences a rapidly ageing population.
Today, approximately 75 million people in Africa are aged 60 years and older, with that number expected to grow to around 235 million by 2050.
Globally, the World Health Organization estimated that more than 57 million people were living with dementia in 2021, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed every year.
Against this backdrop, Hearts Remember seeks to reduce stigma through storytelling, encouraging more open conversations about brain health, ageing and caregiving.
A Story That Continues to Inspire
Before heading to London, Hearts Remember premiered at the 17th International Conference on Ageing (IFA) and was later screened at the Human Rights Film Festival 2026 in Johannesburg.
Modjadji, an Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health with the Global Brain Health Institute, notes that research has shown film can play an important role in reducing stigma around mental health conditions.
Supported by the Alzheimer’s Association, Hearts Remember continues to demonstrate how powerful storytelling can spark empathy, encourage understanding and inspire meaningful conversations about dementia—both in South Africa and around the world.
