Where does a memory go when it dies?
Matt’s short subject documentary “A Forgotten Life” is a film he directed, wrote, produced, and edited. The film is an intimate look into his grandfather's battle with Alzheimer’s.
Matt premiered the film to 600 in attendance at the prestigious Director’s Guild of America.
Since then, the film is a - Winner: Cannes World Film Festival and Shortlisted for - Indie Short Award Cannes and the Academy Award Qualifying Film Festivals - Doc Edge and Flicker Rhode Island.
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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 our story.
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Every great moment in life can be remembered in 3 ways…
The first part is called THE FEELING.
A fleeting emotion experienced during a time of your life.
The Second part is called THE SIGNIFICANCE.
Where the fleeting shifts into something more profound. You wouldn't remember it though, unless you have a piece to hold on to.
It's not until the end of the story we recognize its true value.
And that's why every great moment has a 3rd part
This part we call the memory.
The memory of A Forgotten Life.
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[Verse 1]
They say time flies and it does
Before you know it, things you wish you did
Are things you've never done
So I say I'll try but it's hard
To keep the moments close to me
And the most to me right from the start
[Pre-Chorus]
But no matter how I try
I'm running out of time
[Chorus]
Where does a memory go when it dies?
Does it fly like a bird in the sky?
Way up high in all the clouds behind your eyes, and
What do you do when it's already gone?
When you try and you fail to hold on
And all that's left is something buried deep inside you
[Drop]
[Verse 2]
They say hold on, you'll forget
The one's who pulled you through
The people who were there 'til the end
So I say, "Oh no, no, I can't"
And if I ever did, I'd never give myself a second chance
[Pre-Chorus]
But no matter how I try
I'm running out of time
[Chorus]
Where does a memory go when it dies?
Does it fly like a bird in the sky?
Way up high in all the clouds behind your eyes, and
What do you do when it's already gone?
When you try and you fail to hold on
And all that's left is something buried deep inside you
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An original record written by Matt Komo and acclaimed artist Anson Seabra. The goal of the song is to melodically answer the question - where does a memory go when it dies?
This is Matt’s third official music release.
The song is available on all major streaming platforms worldwide.
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The Director’s Guild of America is one of the most prestigious theaters in Los Angeles.
In Sept 2021 Matt premiered the film to hundreds of people in attendance.
Since it’s DGA premiere, the film is a winner at the Cannes World Film Festival and Shortlisted for Indie Short Award Cannes and for both Academy Award Qualifying film festivals Doc Edge and Flicker’s Rhode Island.
// HOW YOU CAN FURTHER SUPPORT THE PROJECT \\
This film was entirely self-funded—every penny, every dime, every dollar came from my personal pocket to bring this to life. Through purchasing a hoodie, your contribution helps me to keep creating these type of meaningful stories. Additionally, if you’d like a to make a donation to the project as a whole, you can do so below. I will be donating a percentage of the proceeds directly to Alzheimer’s research and charity.