We sat down with mom of two Michelle Roos to talk about the portrait video we made in honor of her grandfather's 100th birthday, celebrated this year on Passover. Since we delivered her family video just two days ago, Michelle and her mom have already watched it twenty times, and have eagerly shared it with their loved ones and friends.
Michelle talks about joy, love, loss, legacy and pride as she describes why this video, and the Portraits that Move filming process, was such a moving experience for her. Thank you, Michelle, for sharing your family and your story with us.
What struck you most when you first watched the video?
The video captured my grandfather's personality perfectly. He's just the happiest guy in the world - and that comes across beautifully in the video.
How did the Portraits that Move filming experience compare to your expectations?
We all had so much fun during the filming. It brought out the best in the kids and our whole family. We felt very special and cared for and so grateful.
How important to you was it that the video documented the family celebrating not only your grandfather's 100th birthday, but also celebrating Passover together?
I wanted to capture thus magical moment where my Grandpa's 100th birthday, Passover, and my kids' full blown love of Judaism and family, were all colliding - and you got all of those elements in the video.
What about the experience (from filming to watching the final portrait video) stands out to you the most?
My mom and I have watched the film 20 times each at this point. We laugh and cry and feel proud of my kids and so, so grateful for my grandpa and his love of life. We've had a bittersweet 10 years as a family. My grandparents aged a lot, my dad was diagnosed with early on-set dementia and after 9 years, died. I met my husband and had two beautiful boys, my mom got and recovered from cancer... and we're just all getting back on our feet.
I wish I had a library of videos like these - of my dad when he was well, of my grandma when she was well, of the boys in all of their precious and fleeting stages of development.. it's so special to have this moment captured - thank you!