‘Letters to Forever’ is an experimental film and sound piece created in collaboration between multimedia artist Casey Francis and Natalia Millman, the lead artist of the Letters to Forever project. Together, they reflect on their personal losses, weaving in selected stories from the letters that form the foundation of the exhibition. Developed in the year following the death of Francis’ mother in late 2023, the work combines archival family footage, acoustic and electronic instrumentation, field recordings, and poetry to explore grief as both a personal and collective experience. At the heart of the piece is a cassette recording of a conversation between Francis’ mother, grandmother, and a local clairvoyant named Pauline — a tape long spoken about between mother and son, now resonating in ways he never could have anticipated.
This central thread is deeply connected with Millman’s own relationship with her mother following her father’s death, where she navigates the ever-evolving pain of loss and the transformation of caretaking roles. Through Millman’s live readings, as well as other voices reading selected letters and a rich tapestry of sound and visuals drawn from her personal archive, the film weaves all stories of loss into one layered narrative of connection across time, space, and silence. Loosely inspired by The Tibetan Book of the Dead, and shaped by Francis’ own spiritual beliefs and his mother’s deep connection to Wicca and the natural world, the piece explores the soul’s journey through death, rebirth, and transformation.
Alongside his creative practice, Francis has also spent the past year campaigning for justice in the wake of systemic neglect by social landlords. His experience as a young carer and his ongoing struggle to hold housing authorities accountable — while navigating grief and complex PTSD — brings an urgent emotional undercurrent to the work. Letters to Forever is not only an act of remembrance, but also a call for compassion, empathy, and societal change in a world that too often fails its most vulnerable. About the Collaborator: Casey Francis is a multimedia artist, social entrepreneur, and founder of Mad Truth, an arts organisation dedicated to the power of creative expression for re-framing tragedy, trauma and mental ill-health. His work focuses on empowering young people from disadvantaged communities, using art to facilitate personal and emotional development, and spark wider social change.
Disclaimer: Please be aware that some of the themes explored may touch on sensitive or emotional experiences and could be triggering for some people. Support resources will be available, and you're welcome to step away at any time. Letters to Forever — NATALIA MILLMAN 6-28 August St Peter's Church, St Albans, Hertfordshire "Letters to Forever" is proudly supported by Arts Council England and funded by #NationalLottery players as part of its National Portfolio, bringing creativity and culture to Hertfordshire.
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