Some stories are measured in years.
Others live in the moments we remember.
On Monday, September 21, 2026, South African documentary Hearts Remember (Pelo ya hopola) will officially premiere in South Africa, coinciding with World Alzheimer’s Day.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Paul Modjadji, the documentary explores dementia and ageing in contemporary South Africa through the experiences of people living with dementia, their families, caregivers, experts and community leaders.
The film was also recently presented at the International Alzheimer’s Association Conference in London in July.
Stories behind the diagnosis
“Hearts Remember” takes audiences beyond the diagnosis.
The documentary follows personal journeys from diagnosis through the realities of managing dementia day to day.
Among the featured stories is that of iconic South African soccer coach Clive Barker, who shares his experience with Lewy body dementia.
Marinda Breedt also opens up about her journey with Alzheimer’s.
The documentary additionally features TikToker Nduduzo Kay and his grandmother, Zithi Elisabeth Khoza, who has lived with dementia for five years.
The film also features South African television and film icon Abigail Kubeka, who shares her insights on ageing and cognitive health.
Together, these stories offer different perspectives on a subject that can affect entire families and communities.
Turning storytelling into conversation
For producer Wandile Molebatsi, the power of the documentary lies in its ability to create conversations around subjects that can be difficult to discuss.
“Stories have a way of helping us understand things we might not always know how to talk about,” says Molebatsi. “They can make us feel, ask questions, and provide new perspectives.”
Molebatsi also welcomed the involvement of Ster-Kinekor and local television platforms in supporting the educational film and its potential impact on society.
“I’ve witnessed the power of storytelling to create connections,” he says.
The screening will extend that conversation beyond the film itself.
Audiences will have an opportunity to take part in Q&A sessions with experts and health advocates, creating space to learn more about dementia and engage in discussions around the issues explored in the documentary.
A growing challenge in South Africa
The documentary arrives as dementia continues to affect families across South Africa.
According to the information supplied for the film, approximately 450,000 people currently live with dementia in South Africa. That number is projected to reach one million by 2050.
“Hearts Remember” aims to raise awareness and humanise a condition that remains misunderstood in many communities.
For director Paul Modjadji, the personal stories are central to that mission.
The film explores how families navigate ageing and cognitive health challenges while bringing individual experiences into a wider conversation about dementia.
Honouring the people who came before us
Prolific poet Botlhale Boikanyo, who has been appointed a UNFPA Youth Champion for Women and Girls, also highlighted the importance of conversations around ageing and cognitive health.
“Our grandparents play a significant role in shaping who we are,” says Boikanyo.
“By screening these powerful films about aging and cognitive health, we hope to foster awareness, understanding, and protection for the elderly.”
Her message speaks to one of the documentary’s central themes: the relationship between generations and the importance of recognising the experiences of older people.
Challenging myths around dementia
Beyond awareness, “Hearts Remember” has a clear advocacy focus.
The documentary aims to elevate dementia advocacy in South Africa while challenging myths and misconceptions surrounding cognitive degenerative illnesses.
Modjadji says the film is also about the rights and care of older people.
“This film is vital for advocating for the rights and care of our elderly,” the director says.
He points to the cultural importance of respecting older people and appreciating the ageing process.
The hope, he adds, is that the film encourages both younger generations and older people to recognise the beauty of ageing and everything it encompasses.
A global conversation with a South African voice
The story of “Hearts Remember” is rooted in South Africa, but dementia is a global issue.
The World Health Organization estimates that more than 57 million people were living with dementia globally in 2021, with nearly 10 million new cases reported each year.
Against that backdrop, “Hearts Remember” brings the conversation into a distinctly South African setting.
It does so through people rather than statistics.
Through a coach. A grandmother. Families. Caregivers. Experts. Community voices. And people confronting the realities of cognitive health and ageing.
The documentary is made possible through funding from The Alzheimer’s Association.
Screening details
The complimentary screening of Hearts Remember (Pelo ya hopola) will take place at South Gate Ster Kinekor on Monday, September 21, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Audiences attending the screening will also have the opportunity to participate in Q&A sessions with experts and health advocates.
For bookings:
Book the Hearts Remember screening via Quicket
At its heart, “Hearts Remember” is a film about memory.
But it is also about the people who remain connected through it.
As South Africa marks World Alzheimer’s Day, the documentary places lived experiences at the centre of a conversation about dementia, ageing, family and understanding.
