I Never Said Goodbye

I Never Said Goodbye is a narrative film inspired by the autobiographical experiences of a Ukrainian immigrant living in Baltimore, coping with the loss of his mother. At its core is Alex, an Eastern European immigrant whose life is upended by grief. As he struggles to come to terms with his mother’s death, Alex encounters two pivotal figures: Shannon, a Black funeral home director who embodies a nurturing, maternal presence; and Ramone, a Black yoga teacher whose past mirrors elements of Alex’s own childhood. Set against the backdrop of a divided Baltimore, the film captures the intersecting lives of individuals from different racial and socio-economic backgrounds. It blends realism with the supernatural, incorporating elements of folklore to explore the emotional and spiritual dimensions of loss. As Alex gradually steps outside the confines of his immigrant enclave, he forms unexpected connections that challenge his perceptions and help him begin to heal. Through these relationships, he gains a deeper understanding of himself and his place in the world. Grounded in the characters’ emotional journeys, I Never Said Goodbye explores themes of grief, isolation, racial and economic disparity, and the quiet discovery of shared humanity among people from seemingly disconnected lives.

In I Never Said Goodbye, I am urging the viewer to foster understanding and truly see the humanity in every person. The narrative oscillates between realism and supernatural, weaving in elements of folklore. Wrestling with grief, Alex slowly ventures beyond his comfort zone and begins to connect with people beyond his insular immigrant bubble. To Alex’s surprise, these newfound connections help Alex navigate his own grief and find a new understanding of himself and his place in the world. This film is experimental in nature, merging narrative style, documentary, and magical realism. The narrative scenes are juxtaposed with real-time pauses, creating space for the viewers to empathize with the character. By weaving together different modalities of capturing a story, I aim to create a film that both asks the audience to suspend disbelief while also grounding them in the tangible realities of Baltimore.

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