David was my next door neighbor in New York City. When I first met him, I was instantly taken by his candor and wit, his unwavering humility, and his desire to share his story with me. His signature style also stood out to me. As a native New Yorkers, we connected on our shared love for our city. I’ll admit, it’s not often neighbors connect with each other in the way David and I did, but I’m extremely grateful it happened.

As I got to know David, I learned about his lifelong battle with drug and alcohol addiction, and his long road to recovery. I also learned who his best friend was: Jon Cryer. It turns out, Jon’s character of Duckie from ‘Pretty in Pink’ was actually inspired by David. Not only this, but Jon also wrote a film about his friendship with David called Went to ‘Coney Island on a Mission from God…Be Back by Five.’ I realized the story of their friendship had transcended into the art world, which I found to be a rare and beautiful thing, and something well worth documenting.

When I asked David if I could make a film about him, he didn’t hesitate. I could tell he really wanted people to know what he had been through in his life. By sharing his story, he felt he might be able to help those also struggling with addiction. When David passed away during the course of making the film, I was encouraged by his family to finish the project in any way I could. David was really excited about this film. I think it’s because he saw the film as a continuation of providing service, something he was deeply committed to in his own recovery. And in the months following his passing, I learned about all the people David helped in program. The sentiment, “he saved my life” has come up several times. And knowing David like I do, that doesn’t surprise me at all.

David’s story offers the promise that it is never too late to ask for help, or to ask for forgiveness. It is also a story about the power of friendship, and what it means to support those close to you so they can realize their unique potential.