‘Shaking Not Stirred’: Carol’s Documentary with a Mission to Make a Difference

Tuesday, 16th June 2026

---

During Parkinson’s Awareness Month 2026, Shake It Up ambassador Carol Ferrone held a powerful film screening. The premiere of her short film, ‘Shaking Not Stirred’, not only raised $10,000 for Parkinson’s research, but created an opportunity to start conversations and raise awareness about the realities of life with Parkinson’s – from movement and mental health to family relationships and social stigma.

We spoke with Carol about the process of creating this film, what inspires her to support cutting-edge research, and how people can support the film as it aims to grow understanding about Parkinson’s.

You can attend a second screening of the film on Tuesday 23 June at 7.30pm, Palace Cinemas Leichhardt. All ticket purchases support Shake It Up Australia. Get your tickets today.

Carol, tell us all about how you first came up with the idea for this film?

This film is incredibly personal to me. My brother-in-law, Ralph, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s around 15 years ago, and over that time I’ve witnessed firsthand not only the impact it has had on him, but also on his wife, his children, and all of us as his extended family. Parkinson’s doesn’t just affect one person—it affects everyone who loves them.

The idea actually started quite simply. As an ambassador for Shake It Up Australia, I wanted to do something meaningful for Parkinson’s Awareness Month. My original plan was to create a social media series to help educate people about Parkinson’s and raise awareness.

But as I started writing ideas and thinking about the direction of the project, I realised something important: this wasn’t my story to tell. It was Ralph’s story. He was the one living it every single day, and he deserved to have his own voice.

Then, I had a lightbulb moment. I realised this story deserved more than a few social media posts. It deserved a film.

A film that could educate people about the realities of Parkinson’s. A film that could create empathy and start important conversations. A film that could give Ralph a platform to share his experience in his own words. And importantly, a film that could raise funds for Shake It Up Australia and contribute to the research that is so desperately needed to slow, stop and ultimately cure Parkinson’s.

What started as a small awareness project became a mission to create something with lasting impact, and I’m incredibly proud of what Ralph and I have achieved together.

What was the filming experience like, for both you and Ralph?

It was emotional, inspiring, and at times incredibly confronting. I wore many hats in this project- writer, producer, presenter but I am still his sister-in-law. There were moments where I had to take a deep breath and simply be present as a human being. Ralph was remarkably open and generous in sharing his journey. That takes enormous courage. We laughed a lot, we had difficult conversations, and there were moments that were deeply moving. I think we both came away from the experience with a great deal of respect for each other and a stronger appreciation for the power of storytelling. Ralph allowed us into some very personal parts of his life, and I don’t take that trust lightly.

How was the premiere screening? What was the reaction from the audience?

The premiere exceeded every expectation I had. To see a room full of people so engaged, so emotional and so invested in Ralph’s story was incredibly rewarding. There were tears, there was laughter, and there were some really meaningful conversations afterwards.

What touched me most was hearing from audience members who either live with Parkinson’s themselves or have a loved one affected by it. Many told me they felt seen and understood. Others said they learned things about Parkinson’s they had never known before.

But what really stayed with me was hearing several people say that the film isn’t only for people with Parkinson’s or carers. They felt it spoke to anyone whose life has been touched by illness in any way. The themes of resilience, family, uncertainty, love and hope are universal. That was incredibly moving to hear, because at its heart this film is about the human experience of navigating illness together.

What can people expect when they see the film?

People can expect a deeply personal and very human story. Yes, it’s a film about Parkinson’s, but more importantly it’s a film about courage, resilience, family, hope and finding joy even when life throws unexpected challenges your way. They’ll laugh, they’ll probably shed a few tears, and they’ll come away with a much deeper understanding of what life with Parkinson’s can look like. Most of all, they’ll meet Ralph – a truly remarkable man whose story deserves to be heard.

This is not a sad story; it is a story of hope, optimism, and looking for the sun through the clouds.

Knowing that every ticket sold helps fund Parkinson’s research makes the experience even more meaningful.

Your support of Shake It Up helps us slow, stop and cure Parkinson’s. What would this mean to you?

It would mean everything. For the millions of people around the world living with Parkinson’s, and for the families who walk alongside them, a cure would be life-changing. Even slowing the progression of the disease would give people more quality time, more independence and more precious moments with the people they love.

Having seen the impact Parkinson’s can have on families, the thought that future generations may not have to face those same challenges is incredibly powerful. That’s why the work Shake It Up Australia is doing is so important.

Don’t miss out on your opportunity to see the film on Tuesday 23 June at 7.30pm, Palace Cinemas Leichhardt. All ticket purchases support Shake It Up Australia. Get your tickets today.