Award-winning writer Qinyi Fu has joined the creative team of the upcoming short film 'When We Were', a project designed to illuminate the complex emotional landscape of senior citizens. Directed by AFI alumna Leslie Bates, the film will draw inspiration from Maya Angelou's profound poem 'Alone', exploring the challenging yet universal theme of loneliness among elderly residents.
The production aims to challenge traditional narratives about aging by casting movie stars familiar to audiences and focusing on the nuanced rhythms of life in later years. By highlighting seniors' perspectives, the film seeks to generate greater empathy and understanding for an often-marginalized demographic.
Production is meticulously scheduled, with pre-production running from April through June 2025, principal photography occurring in July, and post-production extending through mid-September. The carefully planned timeline suggests a deliberate, thoughtful approach to capturing the film's delicate subject matter.
Fu's involvement brings significant artistic credibility to the project, with her reputation for nuanced storytelling promising to add depth and authenticity to the film's exploration of senior experiences. The production represents an important artistic effort to humanize and validate the emotional experiences of older adults, particularly those residing in assisted living communities.
