Artistry at its finest🙌🏾🥺

My favourite line: "If we knew everyone's back stories we would treat them with more kindness."

The kiss at the end brought a tear to my eye but a warm feeling inside.☺️

And this reminds me of an email that I wrote to a somewhat " stranger". The next day he gave me a hug ( which almost made me crumble) and expressed to me that he was there for me and that he would be there for me. Not sure if this was a miracle or not, the extension of compassion and humanness. But boy did his hug feel accepting and genuine.

The ending line was very wise. The best way to diffuse an old memory is to create a NEW memory alongside the old one -- so you can choose which to remember more.

"Memories are created every second we can't skip the bad ones but, we can always find some good ones"

This short really resonated with me. I was molested by a female relative when I was much younger. She was 4 years older than me but we were very close when I was little. I felt such strong familial love for her. I was devastated when her family moved 2 hours away and I barely got to see her anymore. I usually spent summers with my Grandmother and one summer she asked me to spend 2 weeks with my Aunt (2 hours away) so she could go on a bus trip to Disney World. I was so excited to spend 2 weeks with my favorite cousin! I was 9. The molesting started the first night in her room when the lights went out. She put Wings on the record payer so my Aunt in the room next door wouldn’t hear any noise (not that it mattered she was probably passed out from all the jug wine at that point anyway). I remember feeling scared, I didn’t want to do it but I didn’t say no. Night after night she would put Wings on the record player and I knew it was time. On the 3rd day I called my Mom and asked her to come get me. She said Gram wasn’t going to be home for another week and there was no one to watch me - I had to stick it out. On the 4th day I called her again and again on the 5th. On the 6th day the dread of what would happen to me that night was so great I feigned illness and told my Mom I was really sick. My older cousin threatened me with the ER and needles because she said she knew I was faking. Of course I was faking but the thought of going to the ER was less painful than what was happening to me every night. My Mom told them to take me to the ER. There I played it up and they diagnosed me with Gastrointestinal inflammation. My Mom asked my older cousin to bring me home. The whole ride home she called me a faker and that I was a spoiled brat (many many years later when I told her what had happened to me she really taken aback by what I told her. Now she doesn’t talk to me. I think its out of guilt). The next day I got the courage to tell my Mom what had happened to me. She told me never to talk about it again. It was embarrassing. It was over and I would never have to go stay there again. So I didn’t - I kept it inside and I am sure when I finally found the courage to come out to my Mother at age 27 she immediately thought it was because I was molested. Truth is I knew I preferred boys long before my cousin molested me. But like the character in this short I have carried this around with me my whole life. I cannot listen to a Wings song on the radio without remembering the abuse. I still see this cousin from time to time - I think about how much love I felt for her and then how betrayed I felt by what she did to me. I’ve never confronted her. I’m not sure if it would make things better or worse. I know this. What happened to me wasn’t my fault. Even if I didn’t say no - I was just a kid.

I love this film It was an accident that I found it, but it has improved my day. Thank you!

This made me smile. Reminded me of something my dear mother taught me long ago…. “Be kind to everyone you meet, most especially the ones whom APPEAR to deserve it the least; we cannot ever know the weight of the traumas, disappointments and pain borne by those people we don’t know.” I’m not perfect in my attempts to live up to her wisdom, but I TRY heartily to be that good and decent human that my dog believes me to be.

"I struggled my whole life alone thinking that loneliness was my fate" This is so related to me. 3 month ago I lost my love, he accepted me as who I am, with all my problems, emotions and sorrow. But he thought me to be stronger, more open and that I am not alone, I have people around me that will support me for who I am. But I miss him every single day!

I wish this short story was a full movie...i loved it

You managed to tell a beautiful story to the world in under 14 minutes … it had everything to feel connected with the 2 characters, hear their back stories and even imagine their future. Thanks for the lovely moment

I want to say that this film collected 28 wins in important competitions. Congrats dude. Keep going.

Great short story, and Jake Dorsey is stunningly handsome

Thank you for this work, I thought it was a waste of time then I got hooked. The story, style acting, the actors, all so perfect and they just worked. Color me in awe.

I guess that tree symbolize not just a memory tree, but a healing tree as well? The tree brought you back to the beginning where it had held on to your memories for so many years. Never to be forgotten those memories, whether it's a good memory or a bad memory the tree itself stood there in the same spot as though time had stood still for the tree while the tree itself remain the same. 😊

Beautifully written and great actors. Simple, touching and so very true.

Sad short film but also with some hope in it. I love the though of bringing a good memory to a sad place...I wish that we could replace bad memories with good ones in our lives. Reminds me of a great movie line: "I always depended on the kindness of strangers" . In this film he was a stranger and he was kind.

This is brilliant in every possible way! Not many shorts got me reflective, but this one, caught me by every angle

Thank you for this pure beauty: smart, full of feelings, stories that touch all of us, it naturally evolves from the contemplative aesthetic mode to the wackiness of 2 different gay men interacting out of fear and self-protection, to slowly a transparency of two souls who are really meeting and communicating at a profound level... and the openness of hope(?). Thank you, sometimes I wish we could be this transparent and open with friends! Strangers can be less judgmental... Thank you for this little jewel!

Great short! As a teacher, I remind myself daily that the children we teach come to us with their own set o& baggage. As a teacher we must be cognizant of that fact in order to reach them. As a community member, we must consider that when interacting with our peers. Especially when we are often taught to wear our public mask each day. The compassionate kiss at the end was perfect. They both understood one another loud and clear. Continued success in your field. Alex from LA

"This tree was never the cause of my pain" sooo wise

I came across this short film by accident, I nearly skipped it, but so glad I didn’t, what a beautiful job you did on this, I absolutely loved it, thank you for sharing it with us 🙏🥰

WoW! I don't know what I was expecting, but, this beautiful piece of filmmaking far exceeded any expectations I have of most short films. I totally understand how it won so many awards, my only regret is not hearing of it sooner. Everything about it was excellent, the writing,the cinematography, the acting, editing,direction - the combination, creating an impact that made me smile & cry. Kudos💥👊👏👏👏to EVERYONE involved ❤💯🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟👋✌

Born in 1975, would go to a Boys&Girls Club after school , a husband and wife ran the center. She was the bait for her husband. I was molested for almost 3 years by both of them, I was so young I had no idea what it even was. Later in life I understand what was going on, my siblings also went to the after school club but had no idea what had went on. It took me decades to work through everything. I hang on to things like this video for comfort and strength still to this day! Thank you to all who made this possible.

I really want a part 2 of this because i just loved it so much. I wasn't prepared at how deep this would be. Wow. My mind is still blown by how amazing this short movie was. I can't stop thinking about it.

I love this ending. A memorable kiss stopped at an appropriate occasion.

Oh my God, so touching. This was so emotional. This could easily be turned to a full movie with two guys that fall in love then one got leukemia ( like the character said) then the other one meets another person just like this scene. It was even funny somehow, how they keep saying"it's not the kind of story I would tell a random stranger to....."

(Every memory is not the same, but every story has a purpose.) My new quote!!

I’m soon to be 73 and was molested at the age of nine and I couldn’t tell my parents because my Dad would think it was My Fault! I have kept this from the whole family and I am still gay regardless of the molestation. He was 16

The film is so simple.. But they have stories that are so relatable to people like us. Good job at creating this short movie!

That was a sweet, sincere and endearing little movie.

This can’t end there! It needs a sequel!

Loved this short film. We all have a story and sometimes a lot in common.

Memories, Places and People are engraved in our thoughts and mind and in spirituality. Wonderful short and awesome memory to have seen this short in a dark time. Joel Junior ...great and amazing ..Thank you!

Oh wow. Powerful feelings delivered in 10 minutes. Impressive. Thank you

This was good. I like the idea that this was just going to be a "positive" memory ... for both of them, as each goes on with his own life. I can imagine that a different filmmaker might have tried to "force" them into being a couple, by the end .... and I am all for a good love story. But here, I like this ending. Two souls meet for a moment .... have a positive interaction together (eventually) ... and that brief interaction becomes a memory .... the kind of memory that causes you to smile. Nice movie.

Wonderful story, and beautifully done! Incredible how less than 15 min. can change the view on life.

Truly a tender store of love and about love. These are the kind of these short films I really appreciate - they radiate goodness and affirm the right way to love. Bless You!

So beautiful. Thank you. 😭😭❤️❤️

this is what i call *perfection.* definitely one of my new favorite short films, congratulations.

Thank you for this beautiful, moving film. I kept thinking this was the miracle the foreign boy was waiting for and the once upon a time the abused boy had read about. Only this meeting would end up with them being lifetime friends ...and more, because they had told each other their darkest, most painful secrets and understood each other. Neither of them should have ended up alone.

I was going to save this to be watched later, but I was caught by the first images and a very interesting way of starting a conversation, as it tends to occur to many of us when someone catches our eye and manage to flirt about it. This, by the way, was more than that. I loved it and enjoyed the same line as Neil Horner did: "If we knew everyone's back stories, we would treat them with more kindness", an absolute gem for the rest of my life. Congratulations Joel!

How meta of you to create a short sweet and sad film where the characters experience the same emotions!❤

Absolutely brilliant, so thought provoking and beautifully acted. Thank you.

I was half expecting Jake to hand over his book to Joel as a parting gift. Flipping open the cover, Joel realises that Jake has written his name and contact details within. This conveniently segues to the sequel titled: "Strangers... are just friends we haven't met yet"

A tree full of memories, good ones like the proposal of the deceased individual and not so good ones like the stepfather wanting a massage in his private part. Its ironic that these two strangers met and poured out their happy and sad moments under this tree.In the tree of life, we all have these moments not necessarily under a tree but there is always someone be it be a stranger or a friend to help us to come to terms with our precious or not so precious memories.Such realistic acting and handsome actors

WoW, this short was phenomenal!!! SO powerful!!! It came out of nowhere and punched me in the gut!!! Memories good, memories bad, are memories still the same!!! FANTASTIC short!!! Joel Junior, thank you SO much for creating and sharing your short with us!!! BEAUTIFUL!!!!

The dialog killed me. Very beautifully written ❤ "I'm going to raise my kids differently." Is so powerful. Teach your kids everything. Even the gross, scary, awful things. Because it might save them. I wish I would've known I could say no. It didnt occur to me. I thought men were just, you couldn't say no. My kids will know different. This was beautiful. *kiss* "And a new memory." WHO WROTE THIS. I love it!!!

I can't still process the whole thing but for sure I am more than happy to have found it. At some point it made me feel some kind of inner peace. Thank you for sharing it.

This was deep, I enjoyed it and it made me feel better. Everyday is a new memory! Doesn’t feel it like it because it’s the present butttt with time it becomes one.

Beautiful story. It is true, I think, that the memories that are painful are nearer to us than the more pleasant ones. I am not morose or even unhappy usually, but I think of some of the sad or tragic events in my life maybe more than is needed.

This movie brought back memories I'd rather keep hidden. It has really helped me a lot.

This left me in tears😭❤️.Thank you

One of the finest short films I have ever seen, the screenplay was just amazing

I'm sitting here blubbering and weeping after this emotive film. Bravo!

Wow I’m impressed, also I have to notice that Joel is deserve an award for this amazing acting 🎭

Wish I could give each character a hug!!

As a writer, I appreciate the deftness of this. I think the initial confrontation could be rounded out some, but the ending (announced in the opening underlining) is especially good.

This is a beautiful piece of work ,life really gives you thorns and flowers at the same time

I came across this video for a reason. Whatever that reason is, thank you for sharing this. This was amazing, made me emotional but finished the video with a smile. These words resonate. Amazing job!

Thank you so much for bringing this film 🎞 to all of us

Love this. Really drives homes the concept and ultimately the goal to not jump to conclusions about the way someone seems versus how they actually are upon meeting, talking, and understanding them. Cheers!

That was just jaw dropping. Very good!!

The storyline, actors, setting really hit hard. I loved it.

I completely loved it. Thanks for the great job!

A well-written, well-acted film about why suffering stays longer with us than we believe necessary, and yet it very much forms our character in the way we respond. Bravo!

Wow...I'm not necessarily emotional but I'm sitting on the bus with headphones smiling as tears roll down my face!!!! This is very good Joel well done it's beautiful

Being a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, this hit home for me. Mine was the babysitters son, he 18 I was 4.

Sweet video. Never know who you're going to meet and have a lovely conversation with on any given day. Wonderful interaction that disarms the viewer without being forced. Kudos to the actors

That was a real tearjerker..the kiss made it a little less sad. Well done

What a wonderful short film! I love that they created a positive memory for each other, even thought they both came to the tree with sadness.

WOW , this guy Joel IS AN AMAZING ACTOR !!!!!!! This film is so powerful , I was so excited for it ! Wow !!!!!!!!!!

I just through random discovered this amazing short story and I am so a taken back by these actors, the story, by the cinematography and simplicity of the plot that it all combined into a very enlightening entertaining experience.

Sometimes we find comfort in the most unlikely places. I know I just did. Thank you sir.

Amei, muito lindo, muito sincero e bem carregado de história, emoção e ensinamentos. Olha só como a vida pode ser

That's a beautiful short story. So emotional. Wonderful 👏

Nice to see a truly intelligent short film. Well done and thank you!

Woah i never knew this was my type of work until i discovered it today and yes for sure its gonna add in my rewatch list for whenever i feel like watching it,thanks for this!

Nossa, Joel! Eu tô quase sem palavras. Obrigado por nos presentear com este curta. Gostei muito ❤

Wow this was good bro. Not to mention him mentioning and quoting the great Haruki Murakami. This story touched me in a way to where life can be filled with wonders but also trauma aswell. And using the tree was great aswell cause In many cultures in Africa and Asia trees are believed to be knowledgeable and are great listeners aswell for trees connect the world in a way that none can’t explain. There’s an old saying in the American south that African Americans say which is , “ if these trees can talk they would tell wonders and tragedies” during slavery the enslaved Africans believed that if they told told their stories in the woods then one day their stories would be told if a person listened and connected with the forest. Overall this was great and jake Is fine 😏😂😂

this is top class. I did not expect. Bravo ! It actually gives you a spring in your step.

I thought this was going to be boring but the end was unexpected. It was simple but there was a deeper meaning. Left me with so many questions and a lot of thinking.

That was amazing ….great camerawork ,beautiful music ,very good acting ,handsome actors ,lovely story line…a credit to all involved ..

wow, an encounter you'll never forget. Well done.

there should be a sequel! congratulations on the work

I've watched this so many times and never get tired of it. It's an awesome story!

Thank you for making me cry. This is a great works. Love you.

This is such an incredible story meeting by pure chance 😍❤️

Came across this by chance and glad i did what a wonderful little film it bought a tear to my eye

U can't stop it here, season 2 or episode 2 plz..it's beautiful

OMG! The end had me in tears!

I am short of words for this masterpiece. So beautiful ❤️❤️. Why do we need to know someone's background for well behaviour?

This film touched me in a way I haven't felt in a really long time. Thank you so much for sharing this, the tears that it brought forth was truly needed.

"If we knew everyone's backstory we would treat them with more kindness". If there could be any words that can help bring peace in this world, those might be these words right here. Kudos to the writer..

A really really good movie, so deep and touching story with many emotions, laugh and tears. Great actors. No need more. Thank you so much to give this gift for us. Hope you can continue to create stories in 2022. Have a Happy New Year.

Don't just let him leave after he kissed you! But it was just a chance encounter. What can you do? Ask him to wait, while you spread your lover's ashes. Contrary to your first desire to be alone.

Absolutely beautiful. Thank-you for this.

Thank you so much for this!!!

Lindo, emocionante, maravilhoso! Realmente, um "Desconhecido" tem o poder de nos fazer criar novas, boas e inesquecíveis memórias! Parabéns!