Over the years, the Airbnb creative team brought some of our favorite stories to life through editorial and conceptual animated and film series. As a lead storyteller on the team, I was responsible for always asking the “what if,” pitching various series, and building strong relationships with hosts and guests around the world. Some of these projects were shot specifically for that piece of content, while many others were pulled from thousands of hours of footage and repackaged for a new concept.
Airbnb Editorial
In rural Japan, a young mother revived a dying village by opening it to the world. Megumi welcomed travelers
not just as guests, but as teachers—each one bringing their culture, their language, and a new
perspective to her community.
This short film follows Megumi’s life in the village she helped bring back to life. Through quiet mornings, shared meals, and the wide-eyed wonder of her daughter, we witness a new kind of education—one rooted in hospitality, cultural exchange, and the belief that healing a place can begin with simply opening your door.
Credits
Writer: Michael Smith
Producer: Allison Gay
Filmmaker & Editor: Adam Hobbs
Illustration: Local