Love Eternal, a new short film, looks at how technology affects love and grief. Directed by Dominic Czarnota, the film tells the story of a widower who becomes obsessed with a virtual reality program that recreates his deceased wife as a digital avatar.
Czarnota, who has a background in software engineering, wanted to bring his tech knowledge into the film. “I wanted to explore what technology can do through a sci-fi lens,” he said. The film asks whether it’s right to use technology to bring back loved ones and what this means for our humanity.
Filipino actor Anthony Sayo plays Paul, the husband who keeps his wife “alive” through the virtual reality program. The technology becomes so advanced that the digital avatar develops its own feelings, causing problems in their relationship. Paul learns that love and emotions are complicated, and he can’t control the program or his feelings.
Sayo, who has gone through his heartbreak, said the role came naturally. “Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things in life, and how we deal with it is a personal journey,” he said. He hopes viewers will connect with the film’s themes of love and loss.
Sayo also praised Czarnota for his clear direction and leadership on set. “Dominic knows how to guide the cast and crew, and it was great working with him,” he said.
Love Eternal will be shown at the 15th Fort Myers Film Festival in Southwest Florida from May 14 to 18. It will screen on May 17 at 3:00 p.m. at the Sidney & Bernes Davis Art Center.
For more details, visit www.fortmyersfilmfestival.com.
