Acclaimed writer Qinyi Fu is set to bring her distinctive narrative skills to an upcoming short film that promises to shed critical light on the emotional experiences of seniors in assisted living communities. The film, titled 'When We Were', will be directed by AFI alumna Leslie Bates and draws artistic inspiration from Maya Angelou's profound poem 'Alone'.
The production aims to challenge societal perceptions of aging by centering the narrative on elderly residents and their nuanced life experiences. By casting movie stars familiar to audiences, the film intends to create an immediate emotional connection and prompt viewers to reconsider their understanding of senior life.
Fu's involvement represents a significant creative addition to the project. Her reputation for crafting deeply authentic narratives suggests the film will offer a sensitive and compelling exploration of loneliness and human connection in later life. The screenplay will specifically focus on capturing the unique rhythms and emotional complexities of seniors' lived experiences.
The film's production timeline is carefully structured, with pre-production scheduled from April through June 2025, principal photography occurring in July, and post-production continuing through mid-September. This deliberate approach underscores the production team's commitment to creating a thoughtful and nuanced portrayal of senior life.
By highlighting the often-overlooked emotional landscapes of elderly individuals, 'When We Were' seeks to generate broader societal conversations about aging, community, and human connection. The project represents an important artistic intervention that challenges viewers to empathize with and understand the rich interior lives of seniors.
