Private Project

Dear Friend, Where Have You Gone?

For Jayden Martin, art is more than just a hobby. It's his escape, his passion, and his lifeline. But as an artist in the small, rural community of Englehart, Ontario, Jayden's dreams of making it big seem almost impossible. Despite growing up with divorced parents and struggling with addiction, mental health, and suicide, he remains determined to succeed.

"Dear Friend, Where Have You Gone?" offers a rare glimpse into Jayden's world as he navigates the challenges of small-town life and grapples with his own inner demons. This powerful documentary is an inspiring reminder of human resilience and the transformative power of art.

  • Nicholas Koscik
    Director
    Nature Boy, Stanislaw, Flower
  • David M. James
    Producer
    Kitty Mamas, Violation, My Dinner with Chuck
  • Nicholas Koscik
    Producer
    Nature Boy, Parapluie, Flower
  • Jayden Martin
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Dylan M. Young
    Cinematographer
    Neurovenge, My Dinner with Chuck, Sunny
  • Eric Metzloff
    Editor
    Drag Heals, Avocado Toast, Dating Unlocked
  • Jayden Martin
    Original Music
  • James M. Findlay
    Composer
    Control, The Sculpture, Camp Cowabunga
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    Short, Documentary, Music
  • Runtime:
    28 minutes 45 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 11, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    16,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital | 3840x1746 | 23.98 FPS
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.2:1
  • Film Color:
    Black & White
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Toronto Film Week
    Toronto
    Canada
    April 3, 2024
    World Premiere
    Best Documentary Short Film
  • AltFF Alternative Film Festival
    Toronto
    Canada
    March 20, 2024
    Long Short Nominee
  • Feel the Reel International Film Festival
    Glasgow
    United Kingdom
    April 19, 2024
    European Premiere
    Best Documentary
  • Junction North International Documentary Film Festival
    Sudbury
    Canada
    April 21, 2024
    Northern Ontario Premiere
    Best Northern Ontario Film
  • Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival
    Toronto
    Canada
    September 9, 2024
    Best Cinematography - Canada
Director Biography - Nicholas Koscik

Nicholas Koscik is an award-winning director, writer, and producer from rural Northern Ontario. He currently resides in Toronto, Canada.

His short film Nature Boy was a standout success, earning Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Editor, and Best Sound at the 2018 Toronto Smartphone Film Festival's 48-Hour Kabaret and the Grand Jury Prize at the African Smartphone International Film Festival. Other notable works include Stanislaw, Flower, and 70 Years of Sears, a short documentary commissioned by Sears Canada.

Nicholas specializes in narrative fiction and commercial work, with experience in genres like drama, documentary, and comedy. His ability to navigate different storytelling styles renders him a unique and versatile filmmaker.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Dear Friend, Where Have You Gone?" is a film that's incredibly personal to me. Growing up in Northern Ontario, I've seen firsthand the obstacles artists face when pursuing their careers in rural Northern Ontario. Through Jayden Martin's story, we explore the extraordinary challenges of trying to grow and thrive as an artist in a small, underfunded Canadian community.

The dwindling funding for the arts in Ontario, particularly in public schools, is a growing issue that demands attention. While Northern Ontario is full of cultural richness, many talented individuals are forced to leave to find better opportunities elsewhere due to a lack of support. This phenomenon, often called the "brain drain," has left our community and others like it struggling to retain its artistic talent.

As a region that comprises just 10% of Ontario's population, we from the North feel our voices and needs are often ignored. The truth is that the decision-making power for all of Ontario is largely centred in Toronto and Ottawa. Through our film, we hope to raise awareness of the unique challenges confronting Northern Ontario's artistic community and encourage more substantial investment in its cultural development.

At its core, "Dear Friend, Where Have You Gone?" delves into Jayden's roots and the experiences that have influenced his art. His journey towards growth and healing is an inspiration to anyone who has experienced difficulties, be it with mental health, addiction, or childhood trauma. We hope that Jayden's story will touch audiences and give them a renewed appreciation for the importance of supporting the arts in communities around the world, big or small.