*67(347)394-2983

Say something to someone you can’t reach anymore.
Your message may become part of the project.

Drifted. Died. Estranged.

Forgotten. Lost contact. Never really had contact.

Friend. Lover. Family. Cat.

Grief is grief.

Loss is often considered an individual experience. Maybe we are not meant to grieve alone.

Lost & Found New York City examines this idea by interweaving anonymous New Yorkers’ spoken-unspoken words into an animated poem.

This is a chance to leave a voicemail for somebody you couldn't otherwise.

FAQ

FAQ Section
Consider this a voicemail you can’t leave. An unsent letter, a small confession, a chance to reminisce on a moment—whatever feels cathartic and honest. There isn’t an incorrect message.

We do ask that you directly address the individual as if you are speaking to them (though you do not need to share their name).
Yes. Your number is blocked when you dial *67. We don’t collect personal info so that you can speak freely.
Concise is good, but speak whatever you need.
Maybe. Not all messages will be used, and those included may be edited for length.
No.
Not directly. Some voicemails will be woven into the film, but the full archive isn’t public.
Sure, but we would probably only use one per person in the film.
No—this is an art project, not a therapy service. If you’re struggling, please consider reaching out to a professional resource. The NYC primary mental health crisis line is 988.
Sign up for our newsletter below or check back at this website. We expect the film to be finished in winter 2025.

We plan to show the film at festivals and community events. Eventually, it will be shared publicly online.

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About the Filmmaker

Samuel Wright Smith is a multimedia artist, animator and filmmaker based in Inwood, at the northern tip of Manhattan. Sam is interested in projects that blur imagined boundaries and explore connectedness. His animation work is primarily out-of-the-box physical media techniques such as watercolor, linocut print, collage cutout and oil pastel. Smith is interested in philosophies of social practice and dharma art.

His experimental animation work has screened at such festivals as DOCNYC and recently in a documentary produced by PBS. He is an NYU Tisch Film/TV graduate.

Samuel is a lover of city park sycamore trees, halal cart falafel sandwiches and (controversially) subway rats.

Previous Work

Embodied (2025)

A collective reflection on death, as shared by folks facing the end of life with psychedelic-assisted care.

Landline (2023)

A multimedia meditation on the many deaths we live, and a love letter to a mother.

Contact Samuel Wright Smith for questions, thoughts or to make a tax-deductible contribution to this independently funded short film.

Lost and Found New York City is supported by the Untitled Filmmaker Organization Short Film Lab

Lost and Found New York City is supported by the BRICLabs Video Art Residency