As Mississauga quickly establishes itself as a hub for filmmaking-with eight well-known film studios covering over one million square feet of stage space-it’s no wonder that local filmmakers are seizing the opportunity to share their work with global audiences.
Nader Nassereddine, an actor, writer, and producer based in Mississauga, is one of these emerging talents.
A self-described theatre enthusiast who went to Rick Hansen Secondary School in Streetsville before earning his Bachelor’s degree at TMU (formerly Ryerson) in Toronto, Nassereddine has recently released a short film called Lost Memories.
This short film, created in collaboration with the Toronto-based Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation and Visit Mississauga, examines the heart-wrenching effects of Alzheimer’s disease-not only on those diagnosed but also on family members who witness their loved ones fade away while still physically healthy.
The film was showcased at the Canadian & International Short Film Festival and received an Award of Commendation. It is now available for streaming on VIDIVERSE, an indie platform launched in 2021 by Australian director Alex Proyas, known for hits like I, Robot, The Crow, and Dark City.
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Nassereddine shares with INsauga. com that the journey from concept to release has been lengthy yet fulfilling.
“It’s been a journey for sure,” he says.
“We filmed this back in 2024 and it took 10 months in development and pre-production stage. In 2025, we did the festival and award circuit and now the day has come to share it with everyone.”
Produced by Mikejeffwong Productions Inc., a Toronto-based independent company founded by director Mike Wong, Lost Memories focuses on a young couple named Zachary (played by Nassereddine) and Daisy (Sabrina Knappett), who begin with a difficult conversation about Daisy’s father’s decline.
Daisy asks Zachary how he might handle her losing her memories if she were to develop Alzheimer’s later on. He reassures her that nothing can ever truly wipe away all the good-and bad-times that have shaped their relationship.
Though Lost Memories is relatively new, Nassereddine began exploring how illness affects people through art during his teenage years.
“The one that really put the lightbulb in my head was a [project] in my final year at Rick Hansen,” he recalls. “I had to write a script, adapt it, and put it on as a theatre play.”
“We touched on mental health and disorders-subjects we often avoid discussing but need to address openly to raise awareness. It was a story that resonated with people. We did it through art and entertainment-a therapeutic outlet; art serves as comfort for many-and that sparked something in me.”
This isn’t Nassereddine’s first film project; however, it is his first screenplay.
“It’s my baby, to be honest. I had an idea and turned it into screenplay form; this is my third project as executive producer.”
The inspiration came from personal encounters with Alzheimer’s disease along with a moment of curiosity when he wondered aloud: “How will you remember me when I can’t remember myself?”
“The Alzheimer’s aspect touches both sides of my family,” he explains. “I’ve seen firsthand how devastating it can be-for friends watching loved ones deteriorate during those final stages. It’s concerning since it’s becoming more common.” He adds they worked through 10 different scripts before deciding they wanted CAMH involved in telling their story respectfully regarding medical facts.”
Nassereddine mentions CAMH-Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital-provided valuable insights into Alzheimer’s disease which is progressive and irreversible-the most common type of dementia affecting millions across Canada today.
Nassariddine points out some alarming statistics shared by The Alzheimer Society of Canada indicating over 750,000 Canadians currently live with dementia-a condition frequently accompanied by significant memory loss or confusion among other challenges including changes to language abilities or personality traits.
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Nassereddine shares with INsauga. com that the journey from concept to release has been lengthy yet fulfilling.
“It’s been a journey for sure,” he says.
“We filmed this back in 2024 and it took 10 months in development and pre-production stage. In 2025, we did the festival and award circuit and now the day has come to share it with everyone.”
Produced by Mikejeffwong Productions Inc., a Toronto-based independent company founded by director Mike Wong, Lost Memories focuses on a young couple named Zachary (played by Nassereddine) and Daisy (Sabrina Knappett), who begin with a difficult conversation about Daisy’s father’s decline.
Daisy asks Zachary how he might handle her losing her memories if she were to develop Alzheimer’s later on. He reassures her that nothing can ever truly wipe away all the good-and bad-times that have shaped their relationship.
Though Lost Memories is relatively new, Nassereddine began exploring how illness affects people through art during his teenage years.
“The one that really put the lightbulb in my head was a [project] in my final year at Rick Hansen,” he recalls. “I had to write a script, adapt it, and put it on as a theatre play.”
“We touched on mental health and disorders-subjects we often avoid discussing but need to address openly to raise awareness. It was a story that resonated with people. We did it through art and entertainment-a therapeutic outlet; art serves as comfort for many-and that sparked something in me.”
This isn’t Nassereddine’s first film project; however, it is his first screenplay.
“It’s my baby, to be honest. I had an idea and turned it into screenplay form; this is my third project as executive producer.”
The inspiration came from personal encounters with Alzheimer’s disease along with a moment of curiosity when he wondered aloud: “How will you remember me when I can’t remember myself?”
“The Alzheimer’s aspect touches both sides of my family,” he explains. “I’ve seen firsthand how devastating it can be-for friends watching loved ones deteriorate during those final stages. It’s concerning since it’s becoming more common.” He adds they worked through 10 different scripts before deciding they wanted CAMH involved in telling their story respectfully regarding medical facts.”
Nassereddine mentions CAMH-Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital-provided valuable insights into Alzheimer’s disease which is progressive and irreversible-the most common type of dementia affecting millions across Canada today.
Nassariddine points out some alarming statistics shared by The Alzheimer Society of Canada indicating over 750,000 Canadians currently live with dementia-a condition frequently accompanied by significant memory loss or confusion among other challenges including changes to language abilities or personality traits.
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Nassereddine notes CAMH offered expertise throughout production while providing feedback regarding how best approach storytelling elements associated Alzheimer’s symptoms effectively without dramatization typical seen within Hollywood productions instead crafting narratives focused primarily upon emotional impact felt not just solely experienced individuals afflicted but relatives navigating those challenging circumstances alongside them. “The focus wasn’t about sensationalism,” Nassereddine emphasizes adding viewers will find barcodes included during credits leading them towards learning more information post-viewing. “We didn’t want Hollywood-style drama either; our aim revolved around creating cinematic experiences devoid excessive dramatization making sense yet deeply impactful examining both individual experience plus familial ramifications.” Prior version drafts underwent roughly ten revisions until deemed suitable enough finally commencing filming around locations situated within Mississauga/Oakville regions themselves according community involvement being vital bringing narrative alive via capturing authentic environments including neighbourhood streets/gardens such Gairloch Gardens where particular scenes transpired alongside establishments like Game Time Social located within central parts along certain spots utilized likewise featured further showcasing cinematic artistry respective locales highlighting collaborative efforts shaping journeys depicted onscreen enriching viewing experience accordingly aligning closely intended messages conveyed therein. After long months working hard behind scenes bringing this project together amidst ongoing challenges faced due pandemic-related issues surrounding broader launch timing aligned perfectly coinciding January’s designation Alzheimer’s Awareness Month aiming instilling greater consciousness raising levels surrounding topics addressed herein fostering understanding beyond basic surface-level discussions prevalent concerning ailments impacting society today. “It follows two characters whose connection resonates deeply forming timelines love/histories unfolding ultimately culminating reflecting forty years later” expresses enthusiasm conveying hope ultimately lead beyond initial shorts transitioning eventually perhaps evolving turning features thereby expanding stories waiting unveil further developments ahead remaining optimistic future endeavors including pursuing next chapters planned actively aim succeed towards aspirations achieving recognition earn prestigious accolades someday allowing shine bright lighting path forward showing world tales matter most holding significance resonate deeply echo hearts minds alongside expressing pride originating place roots emerge reflecting positively contribution made creative communities served enrich lives transform current landscape shaping storytelling visual mediums forever impacting legacies lasting generations inspire onward trajectories paving way others aspiring dreamers similar fields seeking forge paths follow suit realizing visions unfolding continually revealing potentials await ahead remaining hopeful bring forth illuminating perspectives shift paradigms enriching cultures fabric intertwining inspiring collective unity understanding nurturing growth progressing together harmoniously elevating everyone involved sharing diverse narratives woven intricately connecting us universally reminding importance each voice equally matters making difference eternally impactful hereafter” Photos courtesy of Nader Nassereddine Last 30 Days: 80،346 Votes
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