There are illnesses that affect the body, and then there are those that quietly dismantle identity, memory, and time itself. DEMENTIA, the latest short film released by the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF), is a deeply moving cinematic portrayal of Alzheimer’s disease and the profound emotional toll of memory loss.

Created with restraint, empathy, and emotional honesty, DEMENTIA invites viewers into the fragile inner world of a person living with dementia—where familiar faces begin to feel distant, moments of clarity are fleeting, and the past slowly dissolves into silence.

A Story of Love Beyond Memory

Written, produced, and directed by Bud Patel, DEMENTIA does not rely on melodrama to convey its impact. Instead, it chooses quiet observation—allowing pauses, silences, and subtle performances to communicate what words often cannot.

As memories slip away and identities blur, the film reveals a painful truth: dementia does not affect the individual alone. It reshapes relationships, challenges patience, and tests unconditional love. Family members and loved ones are forced to hold on to memories for two—remembering stories, emotions, and bonds even when the person they love can no longer do so.

“We remember their love when they can no longer remember us.”

This simple yet powerful sentiment captures the emotional core of the film.

Human-Centric Performances and Visual Restraint

The performances by Vibhas Dhurandhar, Sonal Tuljapurkar, Ajay Kumar Nishad Nayak, and Bud Patel feel deeply authentic—never performative, never exaggerated. Each character exists in quiet conflict, navigating grief that begins long before loss feels final.

The film’s visual language, shaped by Director of Photography and Editor Vijay Prajapati, mirrors the instability of memory itself. Gentle transitions, muted tones, and lingering frames create a cinematic atmosphere that feels intimate and deeply personal, allowing viewers to emotionally inhabit the experience rather than observe it from a distance.

Cinema That Builds Empathy and Awareness

Beyond its narrative strength, DEMENTIA serves as an important social commentary on aging, mental health, and Alzheimer’s awareness. It encourages viewers to look beyond the diagnosis and recognise the dignity, humanity, and emotional needs of those living with the condition.

In a world where such illnesses are often misunderstood or spoken about in hushed tones, DEMENTIA opens space for empathy, conversation, and reflection.

DPIFF and Meaningful Global Storytelling

DPIFF proudly presents DEMENTIA as part of its curated selection of socially impactful short films that transcend borders and languages. By supporting international filmmakers like Bud Patel, the festival continues its commitment to cinema that raises awareness, fosters compassion, and tells stories that matter.

Set in Houston, United States, the film reinforces the universal nature of its theme—memory loss is a global reality, and so is the love that surrounds it.

A Film That Stays With You

DEMENTIA is not an easy watch—but it is an essential one. It reminds us that even as memories fade, love, care, and human connection endure. Long after the screen goes dark, the film lingers—quietly asking us to be more patient, more understanding, and more present with those who need us most.

The film is now streaming on the DPIFF platform.