Experiencing Interruptions?

Anamnesis: A Film About Forgetting

The filmmaker delves into his memories surrounding the death of his childhood best friend, Dominic, at the age of 11. This hybrid documentary serves as a deeply personal exploration of PTSD and a quest to uncover a visual memory—one that has been either forgotten or deliberately suppressed over the years.

Structured in three parts, the film follows Neville as he navigates his reflections, engages in a candid interview with his sister, and imagines a poignant conversation with Dominic. Through a blend of found footage, original photography, and striking sound design, Neville examines the intricate interplay between memory-making and sense-making. The film reveals how the reconstruction of past events can shape both our understanding of the past and our sense of identity in the present.

  • Neville Elder
    Director
  • Neville Elder
    Writer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Experimental, Short
  • Runtime:
    37 minutes 44 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 8, 2022
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Hunter College
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Neville Elder

Neville Elder began his career as a news photographer in London during the 1990s. After relocating to New York in 2001, he freelanced as a photographer and writer. In 2010, he expanded his creative pursuits to producing and directing music videos and digital content. Today, Neville teaches film production at Hunter College in NYC.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

In the broadest sense, I am a storyteller. I write stories and songs, create narrative films, and craft documentaries. Lately, most of my time is devoted to making short non-fiction films—though "non-fiction" might come with a pinch of salt.

My work explores themes of memory and trauma—both internal and external—and their intersections. I’m drawn to the concept of family, whatever that might mean, and its capacity to adapt and endure or resist and unravel.