On Making “A White Home”
On Making "A white home"
Ahsan Minhas’ “A White Home” follows Yashma, a young woman who has recently relocated to the bustling city of Riyadh in pursuit of a new job opportunity. Isolated in her spacious but sparsely furnished apartment, Yashma grapples with the weight of her decision, the disapproval of her parents, and the lingering grief over the loss of her close friend Hassan. As Yashma navigates the challenges of adjusting to her new surroundings and the pressures of finding employment, an unexpected encounter with a mysterious figure named Ed, who may or may not be a ghost, opens up a window into her innermost thoughts and emotions
Through their candid conversations and shared experiences, Yashma and Ed forge an unlikely connection, providing each other with solace, companionship, and a renewed sense of purpose. Directed with a delicate touch and featuring nuanced performances, “A White Home” is a poignant exploration of the human condition, weaving together themes of isolation, resilience, and the enduring power of friendship. With its blend of melancholy and humor, the film offers a thoughtful and empathetic perspective on the challenges of navigating life’s uncertainties and the transformative potential of embracing the unexpected.
“A White Home” was made from the perspective of an overseas Pakistani who tries to do their best to survive outside their familiar environment. The struggles psychologically one would go through during that phase of the ‘unknown’ and somehow finding someone during such a time who surprisingly might just be enough to get you through it. The internal struggle and external circumstance is what was interesting for me to explore in the writing process of the film especially while writing the character dynamics, while keeping it real and flowing as somewhat the perception of life is, various moments felt as memories.
Creating “A White Home” was a deeply personal journey, reflecting the complex experience of being an overseas Pakistani navigating life in an unfamiliar environment with unfamiliar situations. The film’s narrative was born from a desire to authentically portray the psychological struggles that arise when one is far from home, and the unexpected connections that can emerge during such times of uncertainty.
The writing process was especially introspective. It involved exploring the internal battles faced by the protagonist—those moments of doubt, fear, and longing that are often invisible to others. Balancing these internal struggles with the external circumstances of living in a foreign land required a delicate touch, ensuring that the character’s journey felt both relatable and profound.
Character dynamics were central to this exploration. I focused on crafting relationships that were not just believable but also resonated with the nuanced reality of life. The interactions between characters were designed to reflect the ebb and flow of real-life connections, capturing those fleeting moments that linger in memory long after they pass. These moments, often feeling like fragments of recollections, were carefully woven into the narrative to enhance the film’s authenticity.
The production of “A White Home” mirrored the themes of the film itself. We worked with a modest budget and a crew that was as dedicated as they were resourceful. Every aspect of the film, from the location choice to the subtle use of light and color, was aimed at creating an atmosphere that felt both intimate and universal.
In many ways, the making of “A White Home” was an exercise in capturing the essence of displacement and the search for connection. It was about translating the intangible experience of living between worlds into a visual and emotional narrative that speaks to anyone who has ever felt out of place, yet found solace in an unexpected encounter. The result is a film that is not just a story, but a reflection of a lived experience, brought to life through a blend of realism and emotional depth.
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