Remember Me

More about 'Remember Me'

Lukas Olszewski: What makes Remember Me unique?

I did not choose the story of 'Remember Me', it had chosen me, long before I knew. Three years ago, in April 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic, I was faced with the most painful situation (I would never have thought of) in my life: I had to explain my now eight year old daughter that her mother was suffering from a strange type of early-onset dementia. At the young age of 36... That there was (and still is) no cure... Except that she, a beautiful and talented musician, couldn't feel that there was anything wrong with her.

For years I had been searching for answers subconsciously, for explanations for the changes in my partner’s personality and behavior I couldn't grasp, for the root of our relationship problems that no-one could help us solve, for an affliction that is still widely unknown even amongst medical workers, but from which many people are suffering worldwide, without knowing. I learned all about that condition later.

This film is the result of my arduous personal healing process and a cry for awareness. The film is fictional, but my story is real, ongoing and universal.

What is my goal?

With my debut film 'Remember Me' dealing with the strange and insidious disease called Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), I want to share the unique story of a young family struck by this fate – in the hope of helping many others suffering in the dark. I hope my film helps raising awareness for FTD and thereby changing the fact that most patients go for many years without a diagnosis. Too many people are living with the daily trauma of seeing their loved ones change before their eyes, with medical staff being just as baffled as they are. I want families to get help sooner, and for them to be able to access full support from the moment of diagnosis.

I am really looking forward to talking to you about my film.

About the FTD FilmFestival

Mid-September, the 14th International Congress on Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) will take place in Amsterdam: ISFTD. The main focus is the brain disease FTD, the second most common disease causing dementia after Alzheimer's.

This disease particularly affects relatively young people, between the ages of 40 and 70. Bruce Willis is also affected by FTD, and he has put the disease on the map with the general public.

The FTD Film Festival offers a selection of films and documentaries about FTD. They are films for and by patients, family members and their caregivers. With introductions and follow-up discussions by medical experts, caregivers and those involved.

The FTD FilmFestival is organized by Alzeimercentrum Amsterdam and three cinemas: Rialto, Cinema Amstelveen and FC Hyena. The FTD FilmFestival is supported by Amsterdam Convention Bureau by amsterdam&partners.