Pittsburgh Film Premier of It’s Not A Burden: The Humor and Heartache of Raising Elderly Parents a Success

By Lois Thompson

Emmy® Nominated filmmakers Michelle Boyaner and Barbara Green, in association with Presenting Sponsor UPMC for Life, brought a packed house to Pittsburgh with a free community screening and resource fair featuring a screening of the documentary, It’s Not a Burden: The Humor and Heartache of Raising Elderly Parents.

Held on Saturday June 15th on the campus of Carnegie Mellon University, the post screening Q&A was moderated by Pittsburgh native and award-winning news anchor Jennifer Antkowiak.  Participants included the filmmakers and families from the film, including Pittsburgh natives Maxine and Sally Lapiduss, whose mother Esther was a beloved local entertainer. The event was the culmination of UPMC for Life’s caregiver campaign that has incorporated a series of programs, tools and workshops for caregivers in 2024.

It’s Not a Burden is an intimate, humorous, and heartfelt journey into the stories of adult children navigating the challenges and joys of caring for their aging parents. Featuring filmmaker Boyaner’s complex and tender journey caring for her own parents, the film also provides a glimpse into the lives of twenty other families each with their own diverse backgrounds, unique challenges, and personalities. The heartwarming film explores not only the frustrations and fears, but also the transformative bonds that happen when familial roles are reversed, friends support friends and communities come together, exemplifying our capacity to love.