THE FORGOTTEN PLACE | Omeleto Drama

A man tries to find a friend.
THE FORGOTTEN PLACE is used with permission from Oscar Rene Lozoya II. Learn more at / theforgottenplacefilm .
Kip has arrived at an interview and meets with Eric, the man who has placed the ad. They settle in and make small talk, but as their conversation continues, it becomes clear that this is an interview for no ordinary job. Eric is interviewing prospects for the role of his first best friend, and Kip's resume looks promising.
As they talk, they begin to work through what a friendship between them would look like. There are some points where they differ -- nicknames, for instance -- but they soon realize they are well-matched in other ways. They traverse a lot of terrain in the interview, from the birthday presents they'd buy each other to the secrets they'd keep from one another, as they explore what a lifelong friendship between them would mean for them both.
Directed by Oscar Rene Lozoya II and written by Jeff Locker (who also plays co-lead character Eric), this short drama begins with a clever, even facile conceit, as what appears to be an interview for a job is really an interview to be Eric's best friend. But through rich, deep writing and wonderful performances, the narrative spins this high concept into a resonant exploration of men's friendships that are as full of connection, depth and heartbreak as any romantic relationship.
The film has the glossy, high-toned brightness of many contemporary romantic comedies, and in some ways, that's what this narrative is, from an initial, disarmingly charming "meet cute" to the highs and lows of a relationship. Through an interview structure that allows direct questions and answers between Kip and Eric, viewers learn quickly about the personalities, temperaments and desires of the characters at a briskly entertaining pace.
And as Kip and Eric talk, they're able to riff off one another and collectively imagine what their friendship would look like. Brief vignettes are brought to life as they talk, and as they build, the writing weaves them into a full, vibrant portrait of a complex friendship spanning years, full of everything from inside jokes to interpersonal conflict to genuine tragedy.
Cramming a whole lifetime of friendship into a short could pose a risk of being too shallow for audiences to truly immerse themselves emotionally in the characters. But the script's specificity of the characters and events are so beautifully imagined, and they build into something genuinely moving and even poetic, as Kip and Eric bond not just in the imagination, but in the real-life interview.
There's sincerity, openness and honesty in their dynamic, brought to life with excellent performances by both Locker and Brian Flaccus. Both actors hit grounded comedic notes, but more importantly, they aren't afraid to show the care and vulnerability of Kip and Eric's friendship, both as they imagine it and as it begins to exist in the interview setting. Through their interview, both characters themselves seem surprised and startled by how vast, epic and complex friendship can be, how men's friendship is seldom explored with such emotional range and probing sincerity -- and how much two people can mean to one another throughout a lifetime.

[@kellyj.azania4371]

I feel that these are the conversations that are had amongst souls, prior to incarnating on this planet...or, anywhere else.

[@kilgami]

you feel wrong then

[@WingsOfAzazel]

That's exactly what I thought. ❤

[@WingsOfAzazel]

That's exactly what I thought ❤

[@TheKazadoodle]

@@kilgami no

[@CM-li6yd]

What a beautiful and original short film. Great acting and wonderful story

[@aviewer2871]

Excellent acting!

[@joannen3500]

If only we could see the profound intimacy of future relationships we would invest current commitment. Very well done.

[@simiabba]

Wow, nicely done. Not a topic that’s often explored in film.

[@em_pen]

I've seen this before but had to watch again... SO GOOD. What a ride it takes us on! Leaves me soul searching a bit.

[@michaelfrost2867]

Wow. That was absolutely brilliant. My Gosh. Thank You for watering my Eyes ❤❤

[@harsha.092]

I miss my long time best friend, with whom i had a falling out. I wish we could have resolved our differences.

[@blessed9491]

You yet can ❤ just need to pick up the phone n call her

[@umthelela]

Me too 😢

[@laurabenson1278]

That was really touching. Should be required viewing for school kids.

[@WingsOfAzazel]

I love this more than words

[@dominion2343]

❤ I remember this!
Absolutely Beautiful.

[@delphipsmith5724]

Excellently done ❤

[@tracybarbour6531]

Really fine work.. loved this.❤

[@sprngrdave]

Great Video Story. It makes me Wish I had a Friend

[@tracybarbour6531]

You are not alone.. God is in you.

[@janetkatz6531]

Absolutely amazing !
❤️ ❤

[@AllanRochez]

I'm tear bending

[@truerthanyouknow9456]

Kip with the beard is a hottie.

[@marita2007aus]

Not my cup of tea