If Only For Memories, 6min., USA
Directed by Ari Roman
A grieving young man searches his dreams for a few more sweet memories with his fiancé

Get to know the filmmaker:

It was a combination of things. A series of failed romantic relationships led to a lot of retrospective thinking. I was weighing my thoughts and actions against my past thoughts and actions constantly. I found a similarity between that retrospective thinking and how I would pick my dreams apart. I then combined the two and had an idea for a script!

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
The initial concept with some development began in Jan of 2024. It took a quick pause as I focused on my other film, Kiss Of God. Once distribution for Kiss of God was wrapped up in August 2024, I began writing If Only Form Memories. I finished writing in late September, filmed for two days in November, and began editing in January 2025. I picture locked mid April then raced to the finish line with color, foley, and score being completed by the first week of May.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Hmmm… Intense ambiance?

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Largest obstacle was definitely in the editing room. This film has a lot of experimental elements to it and that brought about a lot of imposter syndrome. The film I was editing didn’t look like anything the people in my circles were making. I wasn’t sure about the style or the presentation. Was it too weird? Does it look amateur? Am I capable of making this footage into something interesting? Luckily I had the guidance of some amazing mentors, including Soudabeh Moradian. They helped me overcome those fears, trust my instinct for how this story should be told, and that different does not equal amateur.

5. There are 5 stages of the filmmaking process: Development.
Pre-Production. Production. Post-Production. Distribution.
What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?
Anyone who knows me for more than eight seconds knows that my favorite stage is production. Writing is great, editing can be rewarding, but my favorite place to be has always been on set. I love being active, feeling useful, and doing anything I can to improve the film in those crucial moments.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I’ve always had an appreciation for artists. Doing anything in your power to create something meaningful to you is admirable. It wasn’t until the COVID lockdown that I actually considered that lifestyle for myself. Now I’m knee deep in that life and I patiently waiting for the moments where I get to submerge myself.

7. What film have you seen the most times in your life?
Hundreds of Beavers! Genius, crafty, indie, hilarious, mind blowing, and unlike anything else I’ve seen release in recent years. The perfect makings for a film with timeless rewatchability

8. In a perfect world: Who would you like to work with/collaborate with on a film?
Working with Spielberg would be great, but before that I would take an opportunity to get all the amazing people I’ve met and worked with so far onto an Ari dream team.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
FilmFreeway has the best system I’ve seen, but I do think there needs to be better discovery options. I’d like something where I can describe the film I have with different drop down options and be shown festivals that are looking for something similar. If Only For Memories, as an example, is a short with experimental elements. That is very hard to get into programming. I wish there was an easier way to find a proper audience.

10. What is your favorite meal?
I love a charcuterie board with hummus!

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Currently, I am working on as many sets as possible and going wherever that takes me. I’m writing a few things on the side: another short that’s pretty far along, a couple projects that I’d film on the road while traveling, and a horror feature that’s faaaaar away from being finished. Feeling very excited every morning to keep chipping away at it all. Day by day getting a little closer to seeing the next thing finished!