Van Living is an increasingly popular trend and a great way to meet new people, experience the unfamiliar and learn about different parts of the world. At least in theory. Forrest Stevens tried to live the life of a van passenger, but the experiment let him down a bit. Determined to unravel the allure of this unusual lifestyle, he turns his camera on others who are going through a similar journey. The reality of #VanLife documents her insights.
Is Fan on the way to a new version of the American Dream? In the past, young people may have longed for domestic security and white picket fences. However, for many of today’s younger generation, life in a van is often the ultimate prelude to a life of freedom.
For those looking to connect with their inner nomad, van life offers an adventure filled with unknown sights and experiences. But embracing this lifestyle comes with trade-offs.
Subjects in the film exemplify these shortcomings, including a general lack of comfort, limited access to showers, toilets, and refrigerated food, a sense of isolation and confinement, and occasionally harsh temperatures. It can be an exciting outing for young couples or solo travelers, but life in a van with kids in tow can be especially inhospitable.
Many newcomers initially grasp the concept of van life in almost mythical terms. That’s thanks in large part to the romanticization of the movement, as is often promoted on social media. Van travelers are often careful to snap only the most flattering photos of their journeys – which most people do when they share every aspect of their lives on social media platforms – which often conveys a sense of idealism and wonder wrong feeling. At best, these images are often benign lies promoting a way of life that may never be fully realized.
However, for people with good physique, the benefits of this lifestyle far outweigh the risks and disadvantages.
The reality of #VanLife features a colorful cast of free-spirited characters, providing a fun and well-rounded portrait of this growing movement.
Directed by: Forrest Stevens
