Browse films

The Meaning of Vanlife

Jim Lounsbury
Australia, 2019, 88 min.

In English.
Includes adult language.

AIFF Award Winner:
Best Foreign Documentary

The Meaning of Vanlife is an adventurous, revealing look into the Vanlife community through the eyes of nomads who have chosen to live a life of freedom on the road. A documentary about a movement that exemplifies a deeper societal trend towards minimalism and authentic community building.

Director's Statement

Is Vanlife just a fad, driven by social media, hashtags and photographs of beautiful couples in pristine locations? Or is it a community dealing with the current economic pressures by leaning toward minimalism and simpler living? A group of people redefining their expectations for life by valuing things like community, acceptance and renewal? When asking "˜Vanlifers' why they chose this alternative lifestyle, the most common word within their answers was freedom. This documentary was a chance to discover what that freedom looks like, and what resonant beliefs, philosophical truths and new ideas can be gleaned from these modern-day nomads.

Category: Documentary, Award Winner.
Themes: Community, Lifestyle, Road Trip, World Cinema.

More in Documentary

  • The Light of Truth: Richard Hunt's Monument to Ida B. Wells

    The Light of Truth: Richard Hunt's Monument to Ida B. Wells

    Rana Segal
    United States, 2024, 66 min.

    This feature documentary weaves together sculptor Richard Hunt’s process and life story, with that of civil rights crusader, suffragist and anti-lynching... more ›

  • Desert Secrets

    Desert Secrets

    Mark Serao
    United States, 2025, 54 min.

    When Jamie Yazzie suddenly disappears, her family members are caught entirely by surprise. Always smiling and a reliable Indian Health... more ›

  • Clear Sky

    Clear Sky

    Shawn Clearsky Davis
    Canada, 2024, 76 min.

    Given up for adoption the day he was born, Shawn spirals into a life of addiction as he struggles with the broken connection to his Anishinaabe culture and... more ›