The documentary film Looking for Home attempts to answer the age-old question of the meaning of home by exploring the ways in which diverse perspectives interpret basic human necessities and how an evolving world can change these perspectives. Directed by filmmaker Alan Govenar, the film spans several years and coincidentally captures the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergence of this global crisis inevitably leads to a much more meaningful and deeper understanding of the concept of home as millions are forced to deal with unprecedented uncertainty and fear.
Govenar takes us on a journey around the globe as he interviews over sixty people from various corners of the earth: France, NYC, Nairobi, Rome, West Texas, etc. These people each have unique stories and circumstances which have led them to create their own concept of “home.” Governar spends time with a college student studying in NYC who is forced to return home to Buenos Aires, a homeless couple living in the woods in Texas, and an unlikely couple from France who reconnected when the world shut down. These are just a few of the many unique people who are given a platform to not only share their stories but share the ways in which their experiences have shaped their meaning of home.
While each person brings a unique perspective to the film, the collection of answers to the central question presents a common theme: a home is more than a physical place to inhabit. Rather, home is a feeling of comfort created by a sense of belonging shaped either by the people you surround yourself with or by familiarity with your surroundings.
The beauty of the film lies within the expression of a universal human desire to belong to something greater than oneself. Looking for Home encapsulates the stability that the concept of home can provide for individuals across the globe amidst the uncertainty of an ever-changing world.
What academic subjects would this documentary be suitable for?
A variety of academic subjects would find this film suitable as it captures a variety of issues and concepts. I could see this film being utilized in various English classrooms as a source of contemplation for various assignments; essays, creative works, etc. I think that subjects that look into the complexities of societies and individuals, such as sociology and psychology, would also find this film suitable.
What kind of film series would this documentary fit in?
Looking for Home could fit into a number of film programs. For example, this film would be a great addition to a series that focuses on family life and society as a whole. This film could also be a great addition to a series that explores the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world on a social and emotional level.
What can this educational documentary be used as a resource for?
Those studying the ways in which society and individuals view “home” over time and from various perspectives could utilize this film as a resource. In addition, those studying the ways in which a global crisis, like the pandemic, impacts the ways in which people view their surroundings and sense of belonging could use this film.