Experiencing Interruptions?

Memoir of a Dying Star.

In the heartfelt poetry film "Memoir of a Dying Star," Jose, a lonely man, forms a deep connection with his charismatic best friend Maria, who is already in a relationship. Jose misinterprets Maria's affection, leading to heartbreak and the realization that love can be misunderstood. As Jose grapples with his feelings and mortality, he learns to mend his broken heart and finds solace in their enduring bond. The film explores themes of unrequited love, self-discovery, and the beauty of human connections in the face of uncertainty.

  • Jesse Duna
    Writer
  • Jesse Duna
    Director
  • Kurt Reid
    Key Cast
    "Jose"
  • Taylor Storm
    Key Cast
    "Maria"
  • Robert Marsh
    Key Cast
    "Guy"
  • Mattia Pellegrino
    Director of Photography
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Romance, drama, experimental
  • Runtime:
    6 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    November 13, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    420 AUD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    4:3
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - New York Film Academy Australia
Director Biography - Jesse Duna

Jesse Duna's filmmaking is an adventure of heart and creativity, born in the vibrant culture of Indonesia. Embarking on his film studies in 2017, Jesse has a unique knack for transforming life's moments, from joyful to poignant, into relatable cinematic stories. Moving from Indonesia to Sydney and later to the Gold Coast, each place enriched his narrative flair. Currently honing his skills at the New York Film Academy Australia, Jesse sees filmmaking as his voice — a medium to express thoughts and emotions he finds hard to capture in words. His journey is not just about making films; it's about sharing parts of himself with every scene he crafts.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"Memoir of a Dying Star" is a deeply personal experimental film I made to come to terms with a heartbreak that really changed me. It started as a short poem I wrote to express my feelings, but I quickly realized that words alone weren't enough. This led me to turn that poem into a screenplay and then into a film. In the movie, I revisit my past, reliving the memories and my admiration for a woman who still means a lot to me. Through the film's character, I express the things I wish I had said to her in real life.

Though this story began as a personal journey, it has a message that I think many can relate to. It's about meeting someone at the wrong time and how that's not always a bad thing. Yes, it's painful, but in that brief time together, you learn so much about love, life, and connecting with someone even when things are uncertain. The film is about the art of letting go, which doesn't necessarily mean you forget the person entirely. They leave a mark on you, a piece of themselves that stays with you forever.