Tabby Johnson

I became intrigued by the story of Robert Ettinger, founder of the Cryonics Institute, years ago when I first read about his practice of freezing people into a state of suspended animation with the hope of revival in the future - an ambition that earned Ettinger the title “the father of cryonics”. After meeting Ettinger and being impressed by his intelligence, candour, and strangely practical approach to life and death, I hoped to develop an idea for a long form documentary about people who wanted to extend their lives.

You, Forever is a short hybrid film that incorporates documentary and dark comedy fantasy fiction. Robert Ettinger, 'the father of cryonics,' speaks of his life’s work while his 'patients' experience an unnatural existence in suspended animation. The film is at once a piece of living (or un-living) history, and a surrealist comedy of waiting for the unknown. It explores some of humanity’s fascinating responses to fear, loss and grief while offering a potential for hope. In this way, the tale of an intelligent, eccentric and lonely old man becomes a story relatable to everyone.