DON'T FORGET TO SAY GOODBYE
a short film
by Alexander Zimmer & Jeremy Handrup
The story of a young man’s drive from NYC to Chicago to say goodbye to his dying father.
In 'Don't Forget To Say Goodbye,' we set out to explore the poignant journey of loss, family, and the open road. Through the lens of our protagonist's emotional odyssey between New York City and Chicago, we delve into the complexities of grief and growth, inviting audiences to contemplate the universal themes of acceptance and gratitude.
At its heart, our film grapples with the profound experience of losing a loved one to cancer and the intricate dynamics of parent-child relationships. Through the eyes of our protagonist, we navigate the delicate balance between longing for a perfect relationship with a parent and finding solace in accepting it for what it is. It's a narrative that acknowledges the inherent imperfections of human connection and celebrates the beauty of embracing them. Visually, 'Don't Forget To Say Goodbye' pays homage to the forgotten landscapes of America, particularly the Rust Belt, seeking to capture the overlooked beauty of the mundane.
Inspired by the works of classic American artists like Andrew Wyeth and Edward Hopper, we aim to portray the raw authenticity of the American experience, even when it diverges from societal ideals. Our film serves as a love letter to these landscapes and relationships, urging viewers to find beauty and meaning in the imperfect and the overlooked.

