Forgotten: the human cost of homelessness.
- shayshy2002
- Apr 2
- 2 min read
It feels strange to be writing this after so much silence. If you've been following my journey, or perhaps even reached out wondering what happened with the documentary "Forgotten," please accept this as a heartfelt explanation and, more importantly, a sincere apology.
My sudden departure from South Africa and the subsequent lack of updates about the film has been, in hindsight, deeply inconsiderate. Moving back to Zimbabwe brought with it a challenging period. I unfortunately allowed my struggles to cast a shadow over everything, including the exciting and important journey of this film.
There are no good excuses for this silence, and I deeply regret not keeping you, and everyone who believed in "Forgotten," informed about its progress. This project was never just mine; it was a collective effort, a tapestry woven with the stories and insights of so many incredible individuals.
Despite this difficult personal chapter, there has been a significant development that I'm finally ready to share. "Forgotten" has been officially accepted into the iREP Documentary Film Festival in Lagos, Nigeria, and it screened on Saturday.

While a wave of pride washes over me at this achievement, it's also tinged with regret. My heart aches that the film isn't premiering first in South Africa, the very land where it was conceived, filmed, and where the invaluable contributions of so many were made.
This regret has fueled a renewed sense of purpose. I want to honor the trust and vulnerability shown to me by everyone involved, and I want to share "Forgotten" with the people who helped bring it to life and with a wider audience in South Africa.
Therefore, I am thrilled to announce that "Forgotten" will be made publicly available on YouTube, Friday, April 4th.
This documentary is deeply personal. It delves into the often-overlooked lives and experiences of individuals experiencing homelessness. It was made possible by the profound insights of Professor de Beer, whose academic perspective provided crucial context; the vital understanding shared by Dr. Moya, the Mayor of Pretoria, offering a ground-level view of the challenges; the mentorship and unwavering support of Sesihle; and most importantly, the immense courage and openness of the individuals who shared their stories with me.
I know this blog post, feels like a small gesture after such a long silence. But I hope it conveys the depth of my apology and my renewed commitment to sharing this important narrative. I wish I could be there in person to celebrate this milestone and express my gratitude face-to-face.
My journey hasn't been a straight line, and I've stumbled along the way. But the power of these stories, the resilience of the human spirit captured in "Forgotten," has been a guiding light. I believe these voices deserve to be heard, and I am determined to ensure they are.
I would be deeply honored if you would watch "Forgotten" when it becomes available on YouTube next week, Friday, April 4th. I will share the direct link on my website and my socials.
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