A teenager falls in love with cinema – or, more precisely, with the work of Jean-Luc Godard. Thomas Imbach grows up wanting to become a filmmaker, inspired by the legendary director who has been living in seclusion on Lake Geneva since the 1970s. As a young man, Imbach writes to Godard, asking for the chance to look over his shoulder while he works. But the master never replies. Decades later, Imbach sets off on foot from Zurich to Rolle to finally meet Godard.

Rejected by the master, the teenager must now find his own way as a filmmaker until that day in 2021 when he senses Godard's end is near. Thomas decides to visit the master. On foot. A pilgrimage to pay his (last) respects. His aim is to meet Godard in person. Thomas Imbach dreams of filming not the master, but WITH the master, for which reason he has packed his Aaton camera in his backpack. The closer he gets to Lake Geneva, the more intense his emotions, his anxiety, his uncertainty.

SAY GOD BYE is the cinematic expression of this journey. The result is a documentary essay that combines biographical reflection and cinematic pilgrimage. Imbach films himself with his Aaton camera, accompanied by a sound engineer. The journey becomes a mirror of his own career, a tribute to Godard, and a quiet reckoning with an idol who remains absent. 35mm footage alternates with iPhone images, creating a multi-layered self-portrait between the present and memory. The duration, sound, and light of this journey speak of a life decision and a declaration of love.