The Brief

With The Way Home, we aimed to do more than tell a story—we wanted to inspire action

Sectors: Charity | Campaigns
Services: Film

An Overview

Habitat for Humanity is an international national non-profit organisation committed to providing affordable housing solutions for families in need. Their mission is clear: to mobilise volunteers and community partners to create safe, decent housing and brighter futures.

Directed by Meantime’s Joe Murray and written in collaboration with an Trevor Carroll, an Indigenous screenwriter; the film encapsulates a feeling of finding home. A story Inspired by the unique challenges faced by many Indigenous communities in Canada, the film celebrates traditions, local language, and a deep connection to the land.

Collaboration

A Shared Vision

From the start, this project stood out. Working with Jack and the Habitat for Humanity team, it was clear they had complete confidence in Joe & the meantime team to handle the film’s sensitive themes and ensure it met the highest creative standards. This came off the back of meantime’s successful work with Trussell.

At its heart, The Way Home is a feel-good story of resilience, belonging, and the transformative power of home. Created for Habitat for Humanity Canada, the film follows the journey of two family members displaced from their First Nation community. Through the trials of the wilderness and the bond they share, they embark on an adventure to find their way back—not just to a physical house, but to a sense of belonging and cultural identity.

Ambitious Filmmaking

Braving the Arctic

Filming The Way Home wasn’t just creatively ambitious—it was a logistical and physical challenge unlike any other. Set in the remote wilderness of Canada’s Northwest Territories, where temperatures plummeted to a staggering -45°C, the production pushed the limits of both equipment and crew endurance.

At these extreme temperatures, every aspect of filmmaking becomes exponentially harder. Cameras and lenses are designed for durability, but even the most advanced technology struggles in such bitter cold. Batteries deplete within minutes. Some explode. Condensation is a constant risk, potentially freezing on delicate equipment and causing malfunctions.

But it wasn’t just the gear under pressure—the crew had to adapt too. Working long hours outdoors meant wearing heavy thermal gear, which restricted movement and added an extra layer of complexity to even the simplest tasks. Setting up a tripod, changing a lens, or adjusting lighting became intricate manoeuvres requiring both dexterity and patience.

Director Joe Murray’s leadership was pivotal. His calm, focused approach helped navigate the unique challenges of the environment, while his creative vision ensured that every shot captured the raw beauty and emotional depth of the story. Collaborating with an Indigenous screenwriter also brought a sense of responsibility to honour the cultural themes embedded in the narrative, adding another layer of motivation to persevere.