I’ve always had an immense appreciation for the things and people who have come before me. Growing up in an Italian American family, my fondest memories are those of sitting around the kitchen table, listening to old-timers tell their stories. Furthermore, I was profoundly affected by the number of elderly people who were lost during the pandemic and with them, their stories.

As a female filmmaker in my early 20s looking to direct my first feature, I found myself with a new filmmaking agenda; I had to find a project that honors, preserves, and inspires.

Remarkably, that story was right in front of my eyes. The grandson of Dr. Tucker, my former classmate Austin always proudly shares his grandfather’s activities. For instance, during the pandemic, Howard was on the frontlines, serving patients, albeit having to sneak out of the house to do so.

Thinking about his grandfather’s sacrifice, it dawned on Austin that Howard may qualify as the “Oldest Practicing Doctor in the World.” Once I realized that Howard would likely win the title, I knew that this was the kind of story that comes along once in a filmmaker's lifetime.

Through this film, both Austin and I hope to show the power there is in helping and investing in our older generations, and Howard is a prime example of what just one person can do to change the world.

- Taylor Taglianetti, Director/Producer of What’s Next?