Whatsapp, Family Diary
Joanna Nordahl
Made at the end of the first pandemic year, the film traces a family group chat that becomes a sacred line of communication when the world as we knew it was turned upside-down.
2020 ended as turbulently as it had started. The world was experiencing its loneliest holidays yet, but at the very least, we could connect virtually. Whatsapp wanted to create a poignant film that highlighted this connection and so naturally, the film needed to be as relatable and authentic as possible. Thankfully, they asked Joanna to direct. With her eye, the film became cinematic, textured, heavy with emotion, and most importantly: real. Family Diary is a perfect mixture of cinema and the app’s functionality. Scenes scroll upwards from one to the next, the app’s UX sound design would become emotional signals, and voice messages became an interestingly personal form of voiceover. And with this story of one family facing the pandemic, the film would go on to impact many, many more.
Writer/Director: @joannanordahl
Producer: @yrfeld
EP: @katziberlin
DOP: @tmlorntzn
Agency: BBDO
Editor: @emmaohsnap
Starring: @itsnicolefortuin
Music: @cariboumusic
Sound design: @budderoos
Storyboard: @danielkong @magnusjonason
Grade: @joakimriss
Post: Carl Mason, @tumpum, @strangelove
Serviceproduction: @romancefilmstv