THE UNLONELY FILM FESTIVAL: BEST OF FEST

The Honeys and The Bears

Meet the Filmmaker

Veena Rao is a filmmaker “interested in revealing the extraordinary in the everyday.” She loves film “because it allows us to dream and empathize with each other.” Her films have screened internationally, been featured on The New York Times Op-Docs, The Atlantic, National Geographic, Vimeo’s Staff Picks, and have also been supported by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). She’s an alumna of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, and a member of Brooklyn Filmmakers Collective and New York Women in Film & Television.

Join the Conversation

How does the film change your perspective on what addiction can look like? When nothing outwardly seems wrong, how can we check-in with friends and family to make sure they’re coping and have someone to confide in?

Share your responses in the comment box below:

15 Comments

  1. Anonymous

    What a sweet connection. I loved how they held hands and seemed so free.

    Reply
  2. Debb Stanton

    I enjoyed seeing the different designs they made in the water. You could see a real sense of community. Very inspirational!

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  3. Sarah

    Love this. I was a synchronized swimmer as a kid, and now I want to get back into it when I turn 55!

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  4. Janice K Land

    Wow! Goes to show what you can do at any age! Very inspiring.

    Reply
  5. Anonymous

    Awesome.

    Reply
  6. Anonymous

    Fellowship is a great thing to have with a group of people regardless of your age.

    Reply
  7. Anonymous

    Together, we can be as one; despite our culture believes, age different, and ethic background are not the same.

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  8. Anonymous

    It’s inspiring to see that passion still motivates people late in their lives. Makes me ask myself what I will feel passionate about as I grow older and will I have the courage to follow it where it leads me.

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  9. Stephanie

    Cute! Older women having fun and keeping their lives meaningful. Nice.

    Reply
  10. Anonymous

    Great creative connection among people that share similar physical restrictions. Nice video.

    Reply
  11. Mary

    I swam in the Aqua Follies in the late fifties and sixties and this team of women have inspired me to try synchronized swimming again now that I am 80…

    Reply
  12. Dianne

    I love it. I’m 68 and it’s time to learn to swim.

    Reply
  13. Judy

    Wonderful …i am inspired to reach out and do something like this when i move to AZ by my grandchildren, I love these beautiful, amazing women..thank you so much.

    Reply
  14. Máire O'Higgins (@Moraohiggins)

    I hope to grow old in a world that celebrates these women in the way that this initiative does. Congratulations!

    Reply
  15. Anonymous

    This is one of the loveliest things I have watched in quite some time…inspirational <3

    Reply

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