I Am Not Here Anymore

“I am not here anymore” is a story about the process of accepting death. Although the subject is serious, I would like to make the story humorous and lighthearted. That is why the visuals are very colorful and playful. Also, the characters are comical and the way they move highlights the humorous spirit of the story. The main character of the story is the dead Grandpa. He feels that he doesn’t belong to this world anymore and wishes to go to the afterlife. He uses various tricks to try to run away: he hides in the trash bin, makes a tunnel, flies away with balloons. But every single time his family answers with more innovative ways to stop him from escaping. In the very last scene the family removes cameras and other security objects, which they used to control their Grandpa. In this symbolic way, they fully accept his death, and they are trying to move on.

Director’s statement
This is a story about the process of accepting death. Although the subject is serious, I would like to make the story humorous and lighthearted. That is why the visuals are very colorful and playful. Also, the characters are comical and the way they move highlights the humorous spirit of the story. The main character of the story is the dead Grandpa. He feels that he doesn’t belong to this world anymore and wishes to go to the afterlife. But every single time his family answers with more innovative ways to stop him from escaping. As long as the family doesn’t accept Grandpa’s death, they are not able to return to a normal life. I’ve decided to show it in a symbolic way – their home starts to shake and fall apart. Finally, the family receives the visit of a special guest – Lady Death – who makes them understand that, to save their home, they have to let Grandpa go. The script is based on a short novel which I wrote after the death of my grandfather.