Before He Forgets

Before He Forgets

Directed by Selina Gonzalez

As her husband battles Alzheimer’s, a loving wife must reignite his memories of her before she faces the reality of saying goodbye.

Director Statement

This story is my worst fear come to life. As a young teen, I experienced part of my family losing one of the main pillars keeping everyone together. First, losing him while he was still here, then in a different way. My great-grandfather, who has passed, had Alzheimer’s. He was the first death I had experienced in any part of my family. In that moment, my understanding of life changed. It felt surreal, and still does, that our time on this earth is painfully limited. For some, it ends before they leave the earth.

Now, my great-grandmother is in the early stages of dementia. She no longer remembers the first ten years of my childhood, which I spent with her almost every day. I still have a hard time accepting that so much of my childhood is gone in someone else’s mind.

This is a story I’ve been wanting to make since middle school, and I’m so grateful I get the chance to bring it to life as my thesis. I can’t imagine forgetting everyone I love bit by bit. On a more selfish level, having my mom, dad, sister, or grandparent forget about me? I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. But it happens, and it needs to be talked about. We are the voices of those who have come before us. It’s our turn to speak, and it’s our job to speak for them.

Our cast and a portion of our crew have personal ties to this topic as well. Each one of us is dedicated to creating an authentic story that people can relate to and learn from.

Director Biography

Selina Gonzalez is a fourth-year Television, Film, & New Media Production major at San Diego State University. Born and raised in San Diego, Selina attended the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, where she found her passion for production in both technical theatre and film. With experiences as an intern at The Old Globe Theatre and as an On-Air Fundraising Production Assistant at KPBS, her passion for the arts continues to grow.

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