A FORGOTTEN LIFE - Award Winning Short Film about Alzheimer’s (A Matt Komo Original)

// HOW TO SUPPORT THE FILM \\
If our story touched your hearts, please help support the project by leaving a like, comment, and most importantly sharing it with your friends and family! It really means the world to me!

// STREAM THE ORIGINAL RECORD FROM THE FILM NOW \\

// LIMITED EDITION HOODIES AVAILABLE NOW \\

// ABOUT THE JOURNEY OF THE FILM \\

Around a few years ago my grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer's is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes the cells in a person’s brain to degenerate and die. Inevitably people lose their memory and connections to their loved ones. This disease is a slow killer that can take months to years to fully develop in the brain.

In June of 2019 he suddenly fell in his home which was the gasoline on the fire that accelerated his mental and physical decline. The whole family started to realize how fragile his life was, and this was the beginning of a pivotal inflection point in my life.

I was at the height of my career at the time; traveling the world directing global commercial campaigns, shooting music videos in the millions of views, and growing my brand at a feverish pace. For years I always intended to make a film about him; but my life and career always seemed to get in the way. His fall was the sign that I needed to re-align where my true priorities are.

In July of 2019, a month after his incident, I immediately paused everything I was doing indefinitely - knowing that if I didn’t take advantage of this little window of time I had left with him, I’d regret it for the rest of my life. (in hindsight writing this in 2022 this is the best decision I've ever made.). I immediately got to work...

2.5 years of blood, sweat, and literal tears later "A Forgotten Life" is born.

This short film delves into his upbringing, his connection with his wife, and the implications that Alzheimer’s has on him and my family.

Although he can’t remember much of anyone anymore; the one thing he does know and can recall are the people he loves. In essence, the core theme is that love has the ability to transcend everything. Time, distance, and even a disease that wipes away your memory.

I have fully dedicated my life for the last 2+ years to independently create this film. It is self funded, produced, written, directed, and edited by me. I hope you enjoy the project and find meaning through his story.

- Komo

// FILM FESTIVALS \\

Winner - Los Angeles Film Awards - Best Picture, Best Documentary Short, Best Editing
Winner - Cannes World Film Festival
Semi-Finalist - Flicker Rhode Island (Academy Award Qualifying)
Shortlisted: Doc Edge Festival (Academy Award Qualifying)
Cannes Indie Short Awards
Malibu Film Festival

// FULL CAST AND CREW \\

This film would have not been possible without the generous help of my insanely talented friends. I'm grateful for every person on this list lending their time, energy, and creativity to help bring this project to life.

Producers: Matt Komo, Stephan Bielecki, Mitchell Mullins
Associate Producers: Stephen Knight, Eliot Sisson
Assistant Editor - Mitchell Mullins
Assistant Writer - Mitchell Mullins
Director of Photography - Nico Aguilar
Additional Cinematography - Russ Fraser, Mitchell Mullins, Matt Komo
3D Photo Animation & Compositing - Keane Luong
CG Brain Animation - Tom Teller
VFX Supervisor & Compositor - Matt Komo
CG Supervisor - Corey Milne
Rotoscoping and Compositor - Rick Cortes
Clock Animation - Dickie Payne
VFX Compositor - Chris Zapara
VFX Compositor & Titles - Mitchel Mullins
Sound Designer and Music Mix - Matt Komo
Sound Effects Editor - Michael Baran
Art Director & Production Designer - Mike Benna
Violet Painting - Cali Rockowitz
Young Joe - Ben Edelstein
Young Violet - Alyssa Lynch
Colorist - Bryan Smaller
1st AC - Connor Lambert
2nd AC - Nicolas Vannatta
Gaffer - Jesse Jaraczewski
Steadicam Operator - Joe Espinoza
Grip - Joesph Tan
Best Boy Electric - Paul Stockwell
BTS Video: Zac Altschuler, Rory Kramer
BTS Photo: Joseph Shaw
Premiere Producer: Parker Johnson

// MUSIC \\

Luke Antecino - Imposter
Mako - Ghosts (Cinematic Edit)
Mako - Our Story (Hourglass Finale)
Naked and the Famous - Punching in a Dream Stripped
Message to Bears - You Are a Memory
Illenium - Let You Go
Illenium - Angel Prelude & Lonely
Matt Komo & Anson Seabra - A Forgotten Life

[MattKomo]

If this story touched your heart - please help support the project by liking, commenting, and sharing it with your friends + family! It really means the world to me.

2.5 years of literal blood, sweat, and many tears have been poured into this.… this film is one of my proudest accomplishments.

[SamNewton]

This was incredibly special man. So refreshing to see someone put out a project that means so much to them in a world full of short form trendy videos

[cons_stylianou]

I cried. Nothing more to say. This was executed perfectly to the highest level possible.

[landonbtw]

Hands down the most amazing short film I’ve ever seen, man. Absolutely phenomenal.

[mrdude]

My name is Hunter. When I was 18 and my dad only 58 he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He is doing well but every day loses more in his never ending war to remain. If you read this, watched this video and we’re impacted, please just be there for your family. It is always too soon we lose loved ones and not even the memory is certain as a keepsake. Cherish the kindness and forgive mistakes. Do your best guys. I know we can make this a more beautiful world.

[CadenAckerman]

"How many times did you cry?"
Me: "yes"

A Chris Nolan touch in the way you manipulate and articulate the time. The way you touch details. Can't imagine how it felt to show this at your private premiere and how the accomplishment was lived. Master of art. You inspired me 4 years ago with New-York City vid, you renewed it. All my love man. I feel everything. All my respect from my heart. Let you go from illenium, you're smart man. You're smart. Well done Matt, proud

[rafibintofa]

I'm crying. Literally I am crying. Remembering my Grandpa so much.

[U.SFreedomU.S]

I’m a man who spent 20yrs working hard on my career, I woke up one day realizing I didn’t know the ppl in my home. It was my wife and 3 daughters. I looked through photos, videos searched my memories and I was not there or present. When I was there I was still working or had a very bad attitude. 2021 I changed everything. My main priority in life is to be happy with my family. To me that is the secret to life. Money, career and fame does not matter. Today I am making memories. The man who made this brought me to tears. His grandfather naturally forgot, I was intentional. That’s a hard pill to swallow. I do not regret what I did, I can only make the future so much more better. Thank you for reinforcing this into my memory on why I gave everything up for my family. Thank you.

[puppy-czyd]

I'm not a completely tough emotionless guy, I do cry, once in a few years. But you got my teardrops on this one, goodjob

[ScottyRoddis]

This is what your entire career was leading towards. One of the best pieces of true storytelling on this platform. Perfect, just perfect man. Wishing your family the best.

[AyanBanerjee]

As an aspiring Filmmaker, you're an inspiration to millions in the world.. What a masterpiece !!!!

[_dandre_]

Man, my grandfather suffered from Alzheimer's, today I have him, my grandmother and all my family more present than ever. I love you all. Thank you for this.

[MDSHOWPUBLIC]

Bro, I'm from Russia. This is very strong. Unfortunately, people have forgotten what love is and what real life is! What you did is very strong! ❤

[Mightymursey]

My father in law was just diagnosed… we are dreading what’s to come… your film shows it doesn’t have to be like that! This was very inspiring. Thank you

[eddyreynado]

Wow. What a masterpiece. Matt, you are truly one of a kind my man. I’m proud of you 🤍🙏

[jackiediep]

That lvl that u reach omg is absolutly insane. Thats another level of storytelling

[CadenAckerman]

I feel bad watching this for free... AMAZING WORK!

[scottmckenna]

Beautifully done. It brought tears to my eyes and I don’t even know this kind man. Well done Matt

[FelThommy]

Not skipping any part on this video. This is indeed a masterpiece Matt.