"Time knocks on our door when we’re children, and we’re too busy playing to answer. It knocks again when we’re young adults, and we’re too busy working to answer. But as the years pass, the knocks grow louder and louder, and we’re given a choice:

Ignore Time, or embrace it.

It is my dream that those who watch this film will be inspired to reach out to a loved one, even if it’s one simple phone call to say hello. That they might look at visiting Grandma as an opportunity to know her as a person, not an obligation to fulfill.

That when the time comes to say goodbye, you won’t feel like you’ve missed your chance."

-Karl, Writer of "The Long Goodbye"

Family First, Last, and Always

When I was younger I used to have epic water-gun fights in my Grandparent's backyard, and complain about going to church. We’d play Monopoly on the floor for hours, where my demands for a rematch would reveal a lack of knowledge on the finer points of stiff backs and sore knees.

A few years later golf became our thing, despite my impatience and intense hatred of sand traps. Maybe it was the way they were always impressed with my shots, or how they smiled as they let me drive the golf cart (a big deal) — but I always looked forward to 18 holes.

So when I noticed my grandparents starting to slow down two years ago, that wonderfully indefinite period of 'they'll always be there' slowly caved to reality. 

And part of that reality, was that most of my adult life interacting with them had revolved around a handful of days each year that were more focused on the event than getting to know the people themselves.

Most people know this as, 'The Holidays'.

And now that I wanted more than that, time was not on my side.

Seeing Your Grandparents as People

The first part of my answer, was to film an interview with each of my grandparents (and my wife's) immediately. I wanted to get to know them as people who had lived full lives with unique perspectives and experiences. I wanted to ask them personal and potentially awkward questions.

Questions like:

• “What was a major turning point for you in your life?”
• “What makes for a successful marriage?”
• "What is it like to grow old together?"

It was the last one that really got me...

I had no idea this question mattered so deeply to me. Maybe it was the implication that they were actually old and on their way out. Or that growing old together with my wife is my deepest dream in life. But after seeing them struggling together, supporting each other, it became very, very real.

My Grandpa passed away the following year.

Passing It On

The hours-long interview became a tremendous source of comfort for me, and I realized how lucky I was to have even the small chance to get to know my grandparents. Like, really know them.

And I wanted to pass that message along to others who still have the chance. To encourge people to be present with their loved ones, whether it's grandparents, parents or siblings - because life is unpredictable at best. 

And as a filmmaker, this is where my voice is clearest.

The Film Itself

Overview: Troubled by his Grandfather’s sudden surgery, Matt makes a last minute visit and accidentally exposes a truth no one is prepared to face.

Over the past 2 years, The Long Goodbye evolved as a cautionary tale to answer another question: how do you deepen a relationship that has stayed the same for decades?

Well...change means uncertainty. Breaking tradition. Awkwardness.

And as each of the characters progresses through the story, we get insight into what it's like to be on both sides of that equation - because relationships are always, always a two way street.

A Shared Mission

The Long Goodbye is meant to help connect families and generations in an age where loneliness and misunderstanding are at an all-time high.

And I want The Long Goodbye to enrich your life. 

To inspire an extra moment in your day where you look beyond where your relationships are, and reach for where you want them to be.

To give perspective on arguments and disagreements, and become a conversational tool to ask deep questions with loved ones. And most of all, I want to the film to be a reminder:

Waiting to connect is just rolling the dice

on the most valuable thing life has to offer

So as part of the campaign, we've decided to go a slightly different direction with our social accounts. Instead of posting about the project itself, we're creating content that provides you opportunities to connect and reflect. To share with family. To slowly push back on whatever boundaries you want to overcome.

GETTING INVOLVED

• Our Instagram account features user-submitted stories of their grandparents, and things people have learned from them (click here if you want to submit!)
• Our Blogs feature deeply personal stories about family to inspire connection.
• Our FaceBook page shares cool ways people have closed the generational gap.
• Our Email updates will share a weekly roundup of our favorite IG stories, plus live Los Angeles-based events.

By supporting this film, I hope it will encourage you to see your grandparents or parents as human beings just a little bit more. To find a few breadcrumbs to drop, and try to grow that relationship while there’s still time.

If this resonates with you, we hope you'll join us on this journey.