About me
Sky Bergman, Professor Emeritus of Photography and Video at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, is in her third act after a 30-year teaching career. Her artwork is in prestigious museum collections, and her commercial work has appeared in renowned magazines like the Smithsonian. Sky’s passion is creating films and projects that inspire intergenerational connections, emphasizing the power of shared stories. Following her successful PBS documentary “Lives Well Lived,” her book “Lives Well Lived — GENERATIONS” distills wisdom from the film, celebrating life’s essence across generations.
What do you do and why do you do it?
I am a filmmaker, author, and educator dedicated to fostering intergenerational connections and celebrating lives well lived. My work focuses on telling stories that bridge generational gaps, challenge ageism, and highlight the resilience, wisdom, and vibrancy of older adults. Through my films, as well as my Lives Well Lived — GENERATIONS program, I aim to inspire people of all ages to connect, understand, and appreciate each other’s experiences and perspectives. This work is deeply important to me because I’ve witnessed the transformative power of storytelling and connection firsthand—how it can combat loneliness, dismantle stereotypes, and bring meaning to people’s lives. The difference I want to make is to encourage empathy, curiosity, and connection between generations, so that we can all live fuller, richer lives.
What changed for you after age 50?
After age 50, I felt a surge of creative energy and clarity about what truly matters to me. I embraced the power of storytelling in a more intentional way and recognized the importance of sharing the voices of older adults who are living their lives to the fullest. It was also a time when I began to challenge ageist stereotypes more directly through my work and realized the importance of amplifying these stories to inspire others. I became even more dedicated to my mission of fostering intergenerational connections, not only through filmmaking but also through educational programs and public speaking.
What would you tell the 20 or 30-year-old YOU?
I would tell my younger self to trust the journey and follow your creative passions, even if the path isn’t always clear. You don’t have to have it all figured out; just take the next step that feels right. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and understand that collaboration and community will be key to your growth and success. Most importantly, don’t be afraid of failing because every experience, even the difficult ones, will contribute to your growth and creative voice.
What do you think you’ll tell yourself in retrospect at the end of your life?
I think I would tell myself to cherish the connections I’ve made and the stories I’ve had the privilege of sharing. To remember that the impact I’ve made through my work isn’t just in the finished films or published books, but in the conversations sparked, the relationships built, and the hearts touched along the way. I would also remind myself that it was worth pushing through the challenges, staying true to my vision, and believing that storytelling has the power to change lives.
What impact do you think increased visibility can have on your business?
Increased visibility can expand the reach of my films and programs, allowing me to inspire more people to bridge generational divides and celebrate aging as something beautiful and valuable. It can also attract collaborators, sponsors, and educational institutions who want to bring projects like Lives Well Lived: Generations to their communities. Ultimately, it’s about creating a larger impact—transforming how people view aging and encouraging them to see the value of intergenerational relationships.
Who or what inspires you and why?
I’m deeply inspired by the older adults I’ve interviewed and worked with over the years. Their resilience, wisdom, creativity, and ability to find joy and meaning even in the face of hardship are constant reminders of the power of the human spirit. Their stories fuel my passion for this work and drive me to keep sharing their voices with the world.
But it all started with my grandmother, who was my role model and hero. Her motto in life was to always be kind, and she lived that philosophy every day. Her vibrant spirit, kindness, and passion for life inspired me to pick up a camera and capture her story, which eventually led me to interview countless older adults whose stories deserve to be heard. She remains at the heart of everything I do.
I’m also inspired by the intergenerational connections that have formed through my work. Seeing the transformative impact of these connections—how they break down stereotypes, alleviate loneliness, and foster understanding—motivates me to keep creating spaces where generations can come together and learn from one another.
Something else I’d like to share
My upcoming PBS documentary, Mochi the Movie (working title), will be airing in May 2026 for Asian American Pacific Islander Month. The film highlights the beautiful tradition of making mochi for the New Year, but it’s about so much more than that. It tells a larger story of resilience, cultural preservation, and intergenerational storytelling within the Japanese American community. It also speaks to the universal experience of how food traditions help to preserve culture and strengthen bonds across generations.
Another project in the works is The Prime Time Band, which showcases powerful stories of older adults who have returned to music and found joy, purpose, and connection through playing in a community band. The film also highlights the Music Van program, where band members go into third-grade classrooms to introduce music to children—creating a beautiful intergenerational exchange that demonstrates the importance of passing traditions and inspiration across generations.
I am also continuing to expand the Lives Well Lived: Generations program to universities and communities across the country. My hope is to inspire others to bring these intergenerational projects to their own communities and help build a more connected and compassionate world.
