Matthias Ashton Curtis Sommer

Matthias A.C. Sommer was unexpectedly called home to his Lord on Feb. 8, 2007.

Matthias was born on June 4, 1988, in Freiburg, Germany, as the second child to Nicolaus and Mariana Sommer and brother to Celia Sommer.

Matthias spent his childhood in Staufen in the Black Forest area of Germany and came to Ventura with his family on Oct. 10, 1997, to pursue his dreams of becoming a famous film director and take advantage of the opportunities that the United States had to offer.

From an early age, Matthias had an immense interest in filming and computers, working endless hours mastering and learning every aspect of modern communications technology. In 1999, he received his first film camera. Together with his sister he began manifesting the creativity of their imaginations, transcending beyond the pretend worlds they created throughout their childhood years. As Matthias's ability and inspirations grew, he began to obtain recognition, allowing him to ascend ever closer to his dreams.

In 2002 Matthias submitted his first short film to the Ojai Film Festival, "Time Twister," followed by "Der Detektiv" in 2003, both bilingual movies that unveiled sophisticated mysteries. At Buena High School, he expanded his experience through numerous film projects in his classes, especially productions for the German class, where he and his sister indulged in their wildest imaginations to encapsulate their academic excellence within his filming expertise.

At the visual communication class at Buena High he became the news anchor of "Buena Today." Shortly after, he was directing the production, enriching the local TV channel with films about their school projects. In the following two years, he inspired countless students to follow his knowledge and ideas to bring the school TV productions successfully to a new level.

Later, Matthias directed and produced the Ventura teen counseling show "Teen Talk," producing more than 50 DVDs for this local TV show. Many families in Ventura will most certainly remember Matthias for the work and dedication he offered to the county, particularly those who privately invested in his talents.

Not only will the county remember Matthias as a talented movie producer, but also for his academic success as one of the most brilliant students that his peers and teachers have ever had the opportunity to encounter. His dreams of becoming a director gave him the inspiration of graduating a year early in order to focus on his filming. His first professional work was to design and set up the new electronic production suite at Johnny Carson Productions in Los Angeles.

In August of 2006 Matthias started working in professional Hollywood movie productions. His first opportunity was to work in the production "Georgia Rule," which will be released on May 11, 2007. He then continued his endeavors working in multiple film studios, starring in TV series, shows, and movies. His agent Jessica assisted him in being assigned for shows such as "24," "House," "Gilmore Girls," "E.R.," "Saturday Night Live," and various others. His talents went far beyond just acting; he excelled in local directing, creating his own original soundtracks, and was particularly successful in film editing. Matthias was a member of the SAG, the Screen Actors Guild. In addition, he enrolled in two acting classes at Ventura College: Acting for Film & Television and Fundamentals of Acting.

He left behind most valuable memories to those closest to him. He inspired and changed the lives of so many who experienced his enthusiasm and energy in creative work.

He is survived by his sister, Celia; parents Nicolaus and Mariana; grandparents, Walter and Eva of Germany; grandparents Roberto and Marian; girlfriend, Amanda; best friend, Seth; and countless friends in Europe and California.

A memorial service in celebration of Matthias' life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, at Ventura Missionary Church, 500 High Point Drive.