This Means Forever

FESTIVAL PREMIERE

Live Action | USA | 14 MINUTES | English

Director: Brandon Martinez

The aftermath of loss causes a toxic fallout between aunt and nephew, and a turbulent grieving process soon follows.

This Means Forever follows Lloyd, a young man who has lost both of his parents in such a short amount of time. Being their only child, the stress of handling everything following their passing is solely on him.

Lloyd finds himself all alone to deal with his grief surrounding the recent passing of his father. His grieving process is interrupted when his aunt begins to spiral out of control. Bothered by not being “next of kin”, Lloyd’s aunt takes matters into her own hands by taking control of an estate that does not belong to her.

Lloyd must navigate the aftermath of losing his father alone, balancing a funeral and a spiteful family member trying to take all that he has left.

CAST & CREDITS

Director

Brandon Martinez

Producer

Adensunset Levy

Writer

Brandon Martinez

Key Cast

Avery Hale, Helena Tsosie, Russell Martin II, Kenny Jackson, Magali Henderson

DIRECTORS BIO

Brandon Martinez is a Jicarilla Apache filmmaker who began his filmmaking journey in late 2019. He is a recent graduate from the Institute of American Indian Arts with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Cinematic Arts and Technology with key interests in directing, cinematography and editing.

Brandon’s work has been featured in several IAIA Student Showcases, as well as selections in other festivals such as Los Angeles Skins Fest and the Tucumcari Film Festival.

Having graduated from IAIA, Brandon hopes to be able to share his stories with everyone and support his fellow peers any way he can.

DIRECTORS STATEMENT

Filmmaking can be very therapeutic. I have dealt with tremendous loss in my life, having lost both of my parents in the span of a few short years before the age of 19. In some shape or form, everyone has dealt with loss. This short film looks to cover topics of grief and trauma, and the different ways people handle death. Hopefully people see themselves while watching this project and realize they are not alone in their struggles.