Poignant Short Film 'When We Were' Explores Senior Loneliness with Acclaimed Writer Qinyi Fu

Award-winning writer Qinyi Fu has joined the creative team of the upcoming short film 'When We Were', bringing her distinctive storytelling approach to a project that explores the nuanced experiences of elderly individuals. Directed by AFI alumna Leslie Bates, the film will draw inspiration from Maya Angelou's poem 'Alone', focusing on the profound issue of loneliness among seniors in assisted living environments.

The production will feature veteran movie stars, leveraging their established on-screen personas to create a deeply resonant narrative about aging and emotional connection. By casting well-known actors, the film aims to reignite audience memories and create an intimate portrayal of senior life.

The film's production timeline is carefully structured, with pre-production scheduled from April 1 to June 30, 2025, followed by principal photography from July 1 to July 20, 2025. Post-production will continue until September 17, 2025, with particular emphasis on editing techniques that capture the unique temporal experience of elderly protagonists.

By highlighting the often-invisible emotional landscape of seniors, 'When We Were' seeks to generate greater societal empathy and understanding toward older populations. The project represents a significant artistic endeavor to address social isolation and validate the rich interior lives of elderly individuals.