You Won't Be Here Forever.
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, Family
In these uncertain times, it's easy to forget to stop and smell the roses. My hope is that this film reminds viewers to recognize the fleeting moments that pass by and appreciate them for what they are, because ultimately, we only have so much time. One might even say... we won't be here forever.
You Won't Be Here Forever.
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, Family
1 Campaigns |
Green Light
This campaign raised $15,225 for development. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
111 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
In these uncertain times, it's easy to forget to stop and smell the roses. My hope is that this film reminds viewers to recognize the fleeting moments that pass by and appreciate them for what they are, because ultimately, we only have so much time. One might even say... we won't be here forever.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
When I was 23, an evening with friends quickly turned devastating when I received a call from my aunt, telling me that she didn’t think Grandad would make it through the night. Amid a winter storm, I soon found myself overcome with a full spectrum of emotions as I rushed to make it to his side before he took his final breath. Now, at 32, I realize it’s a story I’ve attempted to write for many years but, for so long, never had the will to get out of me.
The reason is that, for the longest time, I was searching for a complex answer to a question that, on paper, seems so simple:
What does love look like?
Love is complicated. Despite our efforts to paint it as black and white, if we took a step back, it would likely appear to be pretty gray. The reality of the matter is that the only thing for certain is that one day we’ll land in this life, and one day, sometime down the line, we’ll depart. During that in-between time, we’ll try our best to show up for those we love, and oftentimes we’ll come up short—likely more times than any of us would like to admit. The results are often messy and irrational, but it’s this effort that makes us human.
With this film, I want to try and illustrate this notion.
You Won't Be Here Forever. is a 15-minute film that highlights the unpredictable and cyclical nature of life. Our story begins amid a winter storm, where we meet Jay as he celebrates his birthday among a group of his closest friends. The mood, which is light and warm, is suddenly interrupted when he receives a troubling call from his aunt.
We soon learn that his grandfather isn’t doing well, and his aunt fears he won’t make it through the night. With no choice but to sit and wait for the inevitable, Jay and his aunt weather the storm together, prompting him to reflect on the complicated nature of his relationship with his grandfather.
You Won't Be Here Forever. is a refreshing portrayal and celebration of Black love in a way that we don’t often see in the cinematic landscape. Though the story on the surface may feel familiar, its presentation with an all-Black cast offers a visual that is still far too rare. It's time to bring a film like this into the conversation and continue expanding the canon of Black cinema—so that more stories like this can exist in the world.
After years of creating music videos, commercials, and documentaries, this is my first foray into narrative filmmaking. It’s something I’ve avoided for many years out of fear, but now feels like the perfect time. Ironically, it’s that very fear that has helped me grow into a well-rounded filmmaker—and why I believe I’ve been able to navigate the unpredictable terrain of the film world in recent years.
Alongside me is a team of award-winning producers, artists, and technicians who are just as committed to this project as I am. We’re confident we can do this story justice and share it with the world.
Your donations will help our team access the resources we need to produce this film in August, including gear, locations, craft services, and other essential elements of the filmmaking process. In addition, funds will be dedicated to submitting the film to the Winter-Spring independent festival circuit and laying the groundwork for creating a feature-length version down the line.
The look and feel of our film will cover a full spectrum of tones to mirror the wide range of emotions we will be exploring. Ranging from the warmest yellows and lushest greens on a summer’s day to the coldest blues of a winter’s eve, our film will tonally encapsulate the cycles of life in all its truest shades.
Shot on Zeiss B-Speed lenses, our film will feel extremely composed, with little to no distortion in our lensing. However, we’ll introduce a bit of grain in our color correction process to add character and warmth to the film. Favoring composed dolly shots, steadicam shots, and tripod shots, our frames will feel fluid, prioritizing long takes and staging over a quick cut approach. Ultimately, it will feel as if we are living with these characters in this moment, allowing the actors’ performances space to breathe.
Taking influence from the story structure of The Social Network, the pacing of Perfect Days and Minari, and the tenderness of C’mon C’mon and Moonlight, our film will wear its influences on its sleeve. This film will feel like the tightest hug and the deepest wound, all wrapped up into one. In other words, this will feel like life—a true testament to how an accumulation of small moments culminates into the experience we all find ourselves a part of.
Our project will go into production in Brooklyn, NY, in August, 2025. We hope to have a final cut edited and processed by the end of 2025, and intend to submit to festivals in the 2026 cycle.
Even if you cannot contribute, it would be incredibly helpful to have your support by sharing and clicking the "FOLLOW" button to get updates on our campaign.
We truly believe this story is one that anyone can relate to. Life is a rollercoaster, and the only thing that's guaranteed is that it will begin and end one day. While we all try to be good people, life isn't always so black-and-white. Because of this, I think people will resonate with this story because it shows just how complex things can get.
PRE-PRODUCTION | April - Late July 2025
SECURE COMPLETE FUNDING | Early July 2025
ACTORS CASTED | July 8, 2025
ACTOR REHEARSALS | Late July 2025
PRODUCTION DAYS (4 Day Shoot) | Early August 2025
FIRST CUT OF EDIT | September 7, 2025
SECOND CUT OF EDIT | October 1, 2025
PICTURE LOCK | October 15, 2025
FINAL SOUND | October 21, 2025
FINAL COLOR | October 31, 2025
FINAL DELIVERY | November 5, 2025
If you can, please support us today. Every contribution, big or small, makes a real impact. Our crowdfunding goal of $15,000 USD means that our project will get the greenlight at $12,000. If we can't raise that by August 1st, we lose all funds raised—every dollar goes back. So your support now truly makes a difference!
Though we have set our crowdfunding goal at $15,000 to support our shoot, the reality is that it will likely cost us at least $10,000 more to do the project justice. Though we have been able to secure several favors in our pre-production process, we would love to be able to pay everyone who has contributed their time and effort to the project. Reaching a stretch goal of $20,000, would heavily decrease the burden on the staff and crew spending their own time and money on this project, and allow us to direct more funds to post-production, which, in this case, is critical to the quality of our film.
Here’s how you can help!
- Pledge: Every dollar makes a difference. Seriously!
- Follow the campaign: Even if you can’t give right now, a follow helps our visibility.
- Share the link: Send it to five people who care about film, community, or real stories.
- Follow us on Instagram @behereforeverfilm
And this is just the beginning. You Won't Be Here Forever. is one piece of a much larger storytelling journey. There’s more to come—and we can’t wait to share it with you.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Shooting Locations
Costs $3,500
The bulk of our film takes place in two apartments in Brooklyn, NY. This is essential to the tone and emotional weight of the film.
Post Production Labor
Costs $2,000
Though the director plans to edit the film, we need skilled sound designers, colorists and VFX artists to ensure it still lands emotionally.
Catering Costs
Costs $2,000
A hungry set is a grumpy set. With our crew fed, we ensure that everyone remains motivated and taken care of as we're in the thick of it.
Production Labor
Costs $2,000
Production labor is essential to having the right hands on set to make this story come to life.
Camera Equipment Rental & Transport
Costs $3,500
We need professional camera gear to capture the film and a way of transporting it all. Production Trucks rentals are surprisingly expensive!
Cast
Costs $2,000
We can't forget about our lovely actors!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
MEET THE TEAM
C.T. ROBERT | Director & Writer
C.T. Robert is a filmmaker, photographer and writer from Germantown, MD, and currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. With a background in journalism, having formerly worked at publications like the San Francisco Chronicle and National Public Radio (shoutout Tiny Desk), he’s cultivated a level of thoughtfulness in his work that can be felt. His work, which often centers around the relationship between race, gender, and identity; aims to reframe the cultural narrative around these themes and challenge the stereotypes associated with them. He is currently signed as a director with Partizan.
BRYAN CASALLO | Producer
Raised amidst the heartland of the Midwest, Bryan Casallo is a producer whose roots ground him in authentic storytelling. Passionate about pushing boundaries, he thrives on challenging himself and those around him to delve deeper and think bigger. Bryan is dedicated to creating environments where collaborators feel safe and empowered to excel. Committed to crafting films that he personally longs to watch, Bryan aspires to create cinematic experiences that resonate with audiences and earn their support along the way.
DEVIN TUSA | Producer
Devin Tusa is a New York-based Producer and Entertainment Lawyer, focusing on progressive political content (commercial, docu and narrative). He has worked in both production and business affairs at a variety of companies including HBO, Marvel Studios, and Magnolia Pictures. Through his work with Counsel Media, he focuses on work that aligns with a creative and empathetic vision, combining production and legal expertise to champion independent film and progressive commercial advertising. He is a graduate of the Film and Television program at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and Penn Carey Law School, and is a member of the New York Bar Association.
KATY MARAVALA | Producer
Katy Maravala grew up in East London, UK and is singlehandedly responsible for the rise of grime music internationally — although she would request that you please do not fact-check that. She made her first music video at 15 and has since collaborated with artists like Drake, Rihanna, and The Weeknd to only name a few. Her extensive production and post-production experience with artists, filmmakers, and brands has made her one of North America’s most sought-after line producers, and her skills on the hardwood have made her one of the worlds’ most sought-after hockey defenders. While she has collected numerous awards and accolades for her commercial, narrative, and music video work, including screenings at TIFF and Sundance, Katy’s crowning achievement is surely that one time the NBC Dateline Twitter account retweeted her.
PEGAH FARAMAND | Producer
Pegah Farahmand is an award-winning producer with almost 20 years experience in the media industry. As one of the first employees at Vice Media, Pegah helped to launch and grow the content division over the course of a decade, has been a commissioning editor at Channel 4 in the UK, a development executive at The Walt Disney Company, and a development producer at Warner Media Entertainment. Pegah is based in LA as head of development at Partizan Entertainment
BRADLEY CREDIT | Director of Photography
Bradley brings a sensitive and thoughtful eye to work spanning across narrative, commercials, documentaries, and music videos. His work has screened internationally at festivals such as the Blackstar Film Festival, the Atlanta Film Festival, the Pan African Film Festival, and has been featured in Rolling Stone, PAPER Magazine, and Director’s Notes. His commercial work includes clients such as Gucci, Vogue, Google, Apple Music, and many more. In 2023, he was named a Rising Star of Cinematography by American Cinematographer. In 2024, he was named a Young Guns Winner.
--------------------------
You Won't Be Here Forever. is currently in pre-production with an incredible team built through Partizan and Counsel Media in association with my friends over at Underhill. We’re surrounded by people who believe in this project and the importance of telling this kind of story the right way.
Production Company
Established in 1991, Partizan is one of the industry's leading content creators for music videos, commercials, documentaries, feature films, animation, digital and branded content for online as well as interactive events and installations. Partizan was listed on the 2015, 2018, 2019 and 2020 Production Company A-List, published by Creativity/AdAge. Previously, Partizan won the coveted Palme d'Or prize at Cannes and was twice listed Best Production Company of the Year by the Gunn Report. It's talent has taken home virtually every award within the industry, including Cannes Lions, Clios, MTV, VMAs, D&AD's, Grammys, Golden Globe and Oscar nominations and the title for the most awarded commercial in the world for Honda's “Cog.” The company's management division also represents top filmmakers for film and TV. The Partizan roster boasts a bevy of critically acclaimed directors providing our clients with unique, timeless work that extends across the ever-evolving entertainment and advertising world. Partizan continues to flourish, evolve and grow hosting facilities in London, Paris, Los Angeles, the Middle East and Berlin in addition to its strong online following.
Counsel Media is a creative confidant to progressive leaders, movements, unions and creative forces in the documentary, narrative and political world. With offices in New York, Los Angeles and Philadelphia, our work has won Emmys, Pollies, and has screened at Sundance, SXSW, AFI, Dances With Films and The White House. Within our political work, our clients include Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, The California Teachers Union, Rep. George Whitesides, and many others.
In Association With
Underhill was founded in 2014 as a community and platform to bring to life impactful and vibrant films with like-minded and driven individuals for ourselves and our clients. At our core, we are a family of artists and storytellers driven by our need and desire to create. Collaboration is at the center of everything we do, and we bring this spirit of creative partnership to all of our work.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
When I was 23, an evening with friends quickly turned devastating when I received a call from my aunt, telling me that she didn’t think Grandad would make it through the night. Amid a winter storm, I soon found myself overcome with a full spectrum of emotions as I rushed to make it to his side before he took his final breath. Now, at 32, I realize it’s a story I’ve attempted to write for many years but, for so long, never had the will to get out of me.
The reason is that, for the longest time, I was searching for a complex answer to a question that, on paper, seems so simple:
What does love look like?
Love is complicated. Despite our efforts to paint it as black and white, if we took a step back, it would likely appear to be pretty gray. The reality of the matter is that the only thing for certain is that one day we’ll land in this life, and one day, sometime down the line, we’ll depart. During that in-between time, we’ll try our best to show up for those we love, and oftentimes we’ll come up short—likely more times than any of us would like to admit. The results are often messy and irrational, but it’s this effort that makes us human.
With this film, I want to try and illustrate this notion.
You Won't Be Here Forever. is a 15-minute film that highlights the unpredictable and cyclical nature of life. Our story begins amid a winter storm, where we meet Jay as he celebrates his birthday among a group of his closest friends. The mood, which is light and warm, is suddenly interrupted when he receives a troubling call from his aunt.
We soon learn that his grandfather isn’t doing well, and his aunt fears he won’t make it through the night. With no choice but to sit and wait for the inevitable, Jay and his aunt weather the storm together, prompting him to reflect on the complicated nature of his relationship with his grandfather.
You Won't Be Here Forever. is a refreshing portrayal and celebration of Black love in a way that we don’t often see in the cinematic landscape. Though the story on the surface may feel familiar, its presentation with an all-Black cast offers a visual that is still far too rare. It's time to bring a film like this into the conversation and continue expanding the canon of Black cinema—so that more stories like this can exist in the world.
After years of creating music videos, commercials, and documentaries, this is my first foray into narrative filmmaking. It’s something I’ve avoided for many years out of fear, but now feels like the perfect time. Ironically, it’s that very fear that has helped me grow into a well-rounded filmmaker—and why I believe I’ve been able to navigate the unpredictable terrain of the film world in recent years.
Alongside me is a team of award-winning producers, artists, and technicians who are just as committed to this project as I am. We’re confident we can do this story justice and share it with the world.
Your donations will help our team access the resources we need to produce this film in August, including gear, locations, craft services, and other essential elements of the filmmaking process. In addition, funds will be dedicated to submitting the film to the Winter-Spring independent festival circuit and laying the groundwork for creating a feature-length version down the line.
The look and feel of our film will cover a full spectrum of tones to mirror the wide range of emotions we will be exploring. Ranging from the warmest yellows and lushest greens on a summer’s day to the coldest blues of a winter’s eve, our film will tonally encapsulate the cycles of life in all its truest shades.
Shot on Zeiss B-Speed lenses, our film will feel extremely composed, with little to no distortion in our lensing. However, we’ll introduce a bit of grain in our color correction process to add character and warmth to the film. Favoring composed dolly shots, steadicam shots, and tripod shots, our frames will feel fluid, prioritizing long takes and staging over a quick cut approach. Ultimately, it will feel as if we are living with these characters in this moment, allowing the actors’ performances space to breathe.
Taking influence from the story structure of The Social Network, the pacing of Perfect Days and Minari, and the tenderness of C’mon C’mon and Moonlight, our film will wear its influences on its sleeve. This film will feel like the tightest hug and the deepest wound, all wrapped up into one. In other words, this will feel like life—a true testament to how an accumulation of small moments culminates into the experience we all find ourselves a part of.
Our project will go into production in Brooklyn, NY, in August, 2025. We hope to have a final cut edited and processed by the end of 2025, and intend to submit to festivals in the 2026 cycle.
Even if you cannot contribute, it would be incredibly helpful to have your support by sharing and clicking the "FOLLOW" button to get updates on our campaign.
We truly believe this story is one that anyone can relate to. Life is a rollercoaster, and the only thing that's guaranteed is that it will begin and end one day. While we all try to be good people, life isn't always so black-and-white. Because of this, I think people will resonate with this story because it shows just how complex things can get.
PRE-PRODUCTION | April - Late July 2025
SECURE COMPLETE FUNDING | Early July 2025
ACTORS CASTED | July 8, 2025
ACTOR REHEARSALS | Late July 2025
PRODUCTION DAYS (4 Day Shoot) | Early August 2025
FIRST CUT OF EDIT | September 7, 2025
SECOND CUT OF EDIT | October 1, 2025
PICTURE LOCK | October 15, 2025
FINAL SOUND | October 21, 2025
FINAL COLOR | October 31, 2025
FINAL DELIVERY | November 5, 2025
If you can, please support us today. Every contribution, big or small, makes a real impact. Our crowdfunding goal of $15,000 USD means that our project will get the greenlight at $12,000. If we can't raise that by August 1st, we lose all funds raised—every dollar goes back. So your support now truly makes a difference!
Though we have set our crowdfunding goal at $15,000 to support our shoot, the reality is that it will likely cost us at least $10,000 more to do the project justice. Though we have been able to secure several favors in our pre-production process, we would love to be able to pay everyone who has contributed their time and effort to the project. Reaching a stretch goal of $20,000, would heavily decrease the burden on the staff and crew spending their own time and money on this project, and allow us to direct more funds to post-production, which, in this case, is critical to the quality of our film.
Here’s how you can help!
- Pledge: Every dollar makes a difference. Seriously!
- Follow the campaign: Even if you can’t give right now, a follow helps our visibility.
- Share the link: Send it to five people who care about film, community, or real stories.
- Follow us on Instagram @behereforeverfilm
And this is just the beginning. You Won't Be Here Forever. is one piece of a much larger storytelling journey. There’s more to come—and we can’t wait to share it with you.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Shooting Locations
Costs $3,500
The bulk of our film takes place in two apartments in Brooklyn, NY. This is essential to the tone and emotional weight of the film.
Post Production Labor
Costs $2,000
Though the director plans to edit the film, we need skilled sound designers, colorists and VFX artists to ensure it still lands emotionally.
Catering Costs
Costs $2,000
A hungry set is a grumpy set. With our crew fed, we ensure that everyone remains motivated and taken care of as we're in the thick of it.
Production Labor
Costs $2,000
Production labor is essential to having the right hands on set to make this story come to life.
Camera Equipment Rental & Transport
Costs $3,500
We need professional camera gear to capture the film and a way of transporting it all. Production Trucks rentals are surprisingly expensive!
Cast
Costs $2,000
We can't forget about our lovely actors!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
MEET THE TEAM
C.T. ROBERT | Director & Writer
C.T. Robert is a filmmaker, photographer and writer from Germantown, MD, and currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. With a background in journalism, having formerly worked at publications like the San Francisco Chronicle and National Public Radio (shoutout Tiny Desk), he’s cultivated a level of thoughtfulness in his work that can be felt. His work, which often centers around the relationship between race, gender, and identity; aims to reframe the cultural narrative around these themes and challenge the stereotypes associated with them. He is currently signed as a director with Partizan.
BRYAN CASALLO | Producer
Raised amidst the heartland of the Midwest, Bryan Casallo is a producer whose roots ground him in authentic storytelling. Passionate about pushing boundaries, he thrives on challenging himself and those around him to delve deeper and think bigger. Bryan is dedicated to creating environments where collaborators feel safe and empowered to excel. Committed to crafting films that he personally longs to watch, Bryan aspires to create cinematic experiences that resonate with audiences and earn their support along the way.
DEVIN TUSA | Producer
Devin Tusa is a New York-based Producer and Entertainment Lawyer, focusing on progressive political content (commercial, docu and narrative). He has worked in both production and business affairs at a variety of companies including HBO, Marvel Studios, and Magnolia Pictures. Through his work with Counsel Media, he focuses on work that aligns with a creative and empathetic vision, combining production and legal expertise to champion independent film and progressive commercial advertising. He is a graduate of the Film and Television program at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and Penn Carey Law School, and is a member of the New York Bar Association.
KATY MARAVALA | Producer
Katy Maravala grew up in East London, UK and is singlehandedly responsible for the rise of grime music internationally — although she would request that you please do not fact-check that. She made her first music video at 15 and has since collaborated with artists like Drake, Rihanna, and The Weeknd to only name a few. Her extensive production and post-production experience with artists, filmmakers, and brands has made her one of North America’s most sought-after line producers, and her skills on the hardwood have made her one of the worlds’ most sought-after hockey defenders. While she has collected numerous awards and accolades for her commercial, narrative, and music video work, including screenings at TIFF and Sundance, Katy’s crowning achievement is surely that one time the NBC Dateline Twitter account retweeted her.
PEGAH FARAMAND | Producer
Pegah Farahmand is an award-winning producer with almost 20 years experience in the media industry. As one of the first employees at Vice Media, Pegah helped to launch and grow the content division over the course of a decade, has been a commissioning editor at Channel 4 in the UK, a development executive at The Walt Disney Company, and a development producer at Warner Media Entertainment. Pegah is based in LA as head of development at Partizan Entertainment
BRADLEY CREDIT | Director of Photography
Bradley brings a sensitive and thoughtful eye to work spanning across narrative, commercials, documentaries, and music videos. His work has screened internationally at festivals such as the Blackstar Film Festival, the Atlanta Film Festival, the Pan African Film Festival, and has been featured in Rolling Stone, PAPER Magazine, and Director’s Notes. His commercial work includes clients such as Gucci, Vogue, Google, Apple Music, and many more. In 2023, he was named a Rising Star of Cinematography by American Cinematographer. In 2024, he was named a Young Guns Winner.
--------------------------
You Won't Be Here Forever. is currently in pre-production with an incredible team built through Partizan and Counsel Media in association with my friends over at Underhill. We’re surrounded by people who believe in this project and the importance of telling this kind of story the right way.
Production Company
Established in 1991, Partizan is one of the industry's leading content creators for music videos, commercials, documentaries, feature films, animation, digital and branded content for online as well as interactive events and installations. Partizan was listed on the 2015, 2018, 2019 and 2020 Production Company A-List, published by Creativity/AdAge. Previously, Partizan won the coveted Palme d'Or prize at Cannes and was twice listed Best Production Company of the Year by the Gunn Report. It's talent has taken home virtually every award within the industry, including Cannes Lions, Clios, MTV, VMAs, D&AD's, Grammys, Golden Globe and Oscar nominations and the title for the most awarded commercial in the world for Honda's “Cog.” The company's management division also represents top filmmakers for film and TV. The Partizan roster boasts a bevy of critically acclaimed directors providing our clients with unique, timeless work that extends across the ever-evolving entertainment and advertising world. Partizan continues to flourish, evolve and grow hosting facilities in London, Paris, Los Angeles, the Middle East and Berlin in addition to its strong online following.
Counsel Media is a creative confidant to progressive leaders, movements, unions and creative forces in the documentary, narrative and political world. With offices in New York, Los Angeles and Philadelphia, our work has won Emmys, Pollies, and has screened at Sundance, SXSW, AFI, Dances With Films and The White House. Within our political work, our clients include Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, The California Teachers Union, Rep. George Whitesides, and many others.
In Association With
Underhill was founded in 2014 as a community and platform to bring to life impactful and vibrant films with like-minded and driven individuals for ourselves and our clients. At our core, we are a family of artists and storytellers driven by our need and desire to create. Collaboration is at the center of everything we do, and we bring this spirit of creative partnership to all of our work.