'Susan' Sheds Light on Dementia & Family Advocacy At FSIFF 2025

By Miguel Medina
The Local Vibe
August 20, 2025

Director Russ Kirkpatrick, along with Susan’s daughters Heather Miller and Emily Shireman, shared their film Susan at the Fort Smith International Film Festival.

The award-winning documentary, which won Best Feature Documentary at the Fort Smith Film Festival, follows their family’s journey with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and Aphasia, capturing both the challenges and resilience that come with caregiving. Filmed over several years, it offers a rare inside look at the impact of dementia while also serving as an advocacy piece to raise awareness and reduce isolation for families facing similar struggles. Through screenings, digital platforms, and the ongoing work of Susan’s daughters, the film continues to inspire conversations and change around dementia care worldwide. Find out more about the documentary at susansdoc.com .

Watch the interview HERE!