I meet Matthijs in high school. At that time, I know nothing about the childhood traumas and the depression and anxiety that resulted from them. Because of this, he sees himself as worthless. As our friendship grows, Matthijs discovers a way to escape his problems. First, he becomes addicted to alcohol, and later also to benzodiazepines and amphetamines. He destroys his body, but continues to fight against his addiction and therefore never seems completely lost.
For 13 years I film Matthijs as he struggles with self-destructive impulses. “Life Is Not Short Enough” tells the story of our friendship.

— Joey Benistant