Since childhood, director Sam Green has been fascinated with the Guinness Book of World Records and its titles, like “most,” “biggest,” “tallest,” that have long enthralled its fans. Filmed over ten years, his luminous film spans countries and cultures as he meets current record-holders for the oldest person alive. With gentle encouragement, Green asks what this stage of life is like and tries to elicit their answers to existential questions around mortality. What defines a life well-lived? What matters most in the end? Sensitive narration and poignant connections link a series of unexpected encounters. Throughout the journey, Green weaves in his own introspections, reflecting on fatherhood, illness, loss, and love. Every person on the planet is born, and every person will die; The Oldest Person in the World explores the vast range of living that comes in between. ST

Q&A following screening