Tell It.
Jase
A Transformation Story
Jase Forester knows what broken looks like. He knows what it feels like. He knows what it’s like to love someone broken.
In the summer of 2024, Jase’s older brother, Greg, died from a drug overdose. As the Lockhart High School senior navigated his grief, Jase turned to his art. He’s a musician and a filmmaker. Using those talents, he set out to create a project as his way to help end the cycle of addiction in his community and beyond.
I started this documentary because I wanted to tell his story—the real story—not just the parts people judged him for. A lot of folks saw Greg as an addict, and they dismissed him because of it. But they didn’t see the person I knew: the guy who loved fiercely, was loyal to a fault, and cared about me like I was his own kid. And I didn’t even know he loved me like that.
What I hope for most is that people stop seeing addicts as just their addiction. They’re people with stories, pain, and love. And maybe through this, families can learn to support instead of judge.Titled “3 Steps Forward”, Jase created 3 episodes to examine the past, present, and future of his journey through this loss. Through interviews with family members and his brother’s friends, combined with research about the opioid crisis in America, Jase has found healing through the hard work.
The project has been tough but rewarding, but I want people to see who Greg was, the struggles he faced, and the ripple effects of addiction. It’s not about making him out to be perfect—it’s about showing the truth. He was a good person in a terrible situation.
I’ve learned that vulnerability builds connection. If we stop hiding our struggles and start talking, we can break cycles and heal together.
Jase hopes to premiere this documentary before the end of his senior year. After graduation, he plans to attend Austin Community College, work at Austin’s PBS station, and then transfer to the University of North Texas to continue his pursuit of filmmaking while still writing and producing his own music.
His biggest goal is for his art to help a generation struggling with addiction and mental illness begin to heal, and for everyone to show empathy for those in its grip.
I’m just 18, but I’ve got big dreams. Whether it’s music, film, or creating a community, I want to build something that lasts—a family of people who come together because they share a belief in love and understanding. Because when we connect like that, nothing can break us.