What records do you use?

Whatever documents your family's history: commonly censuses, vital records (births, marriages, deaths), and immigration or passenger records. Each fact in the film is listed with its source.

Is the film made with AI?

Yes. Animation, voices and music use AI tools, directed and checked by people at every step.

Do I approve the film before it's finished?

You approve the script before animation begins.

Use the Message us to start a film form and tell us who you want to remember.

How Forebear films are made, and what records we use

Forebear Films researches your family from genealogical records, sends you a sourced fact sheet, writes a script you approve, and then animates the film in one of 25 styles with an original score. We use AI tools for animation, voices and music, directed and checked by people at every step, and we label that openly.

1. Research

We start from what you send: names, birth and death years, FamilySearch IDs, photos and family stories. We then look for the records that document those lives, which can include census entries, birth, marriage and death records, immigration and passenger records, and similar documents, depending on what survives for your family. You get a fact sheet showing the source for each fact.

2. Script

We write a script from the fact sheet. Where a scene needs dialogue, it is dramatized, written by us, approved by your family and labeled on screen. We don't invent dates or events.

3. Animation and score

You choose one of 25 styles. Animation, voices and music are made with AI tools under human direction and review. It is not hand-drawn.

4. Delivery

Every film includes an original score, a private share link, a 1080p download and a cover image. Black Friday orders through November 30, 2026 are delivered by December 20.

Black Friday prices

Keepsake (about 5 min) $599, was $750. Chapter (about 10 min) $1,599, was $2,000. Feature (about 20 min) $3,999, was $5,000. Orders through November 30, 2026; every film delivered by December 20.

Message us to start a film

Questions

What records do you use?: Whatever documents your family's history: commonly censuses, vital records (births, marriages, deaths), and immigration or passenger records. Each fact in the film is listed with its source.
Is the film made with AI?: Yes. Animation, voices and music use AI tools, directed and checked by people at every step.
Do I approve the film before it's finished?: You approve the script before animation begins.
How do I start?: Use the Message us to start a film form and tell us who you want to remember.