Vanessa Payer Kumar

Growing older is a privilege and a joy, even more so in a country where we are generally doing well. Some of my friends could no longer experience the living process of ageing with all its advantages and disadvantages. Their passing is like a message to us who are allowed to experience ageing: Skills have matured, experience and detachment bring in the second round of life once again the ability for "high performance", for full, calm commitment to one's "life mission". 

Women over 47 are still underrepresented in film and theatre. Not only does this reflect a strange and distorted image of society, female colleagues also find it much more difficult than male colleagues to get roles. Moreover, roles of older women are often filled by young female colleagues; this is not the case with men. They are allowed to portray their own age. This patriarchal and ageist mentality has been breaking down for a few years and mature women are becoming more and more visible beyond the clichés.  It is wonderful to be an active part of this time and this development.  (Interview @ calliope.at)