Korean Movie & Canadian Circus for Families to Enjoy
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South Korea's first film on North Korean defectors has debuted on silver screens nationwide.
The production, which is based on a true story, is securing critical acclaim.
In this week's cultural report, our Lee Jeewon has more on this movie as well as news of a circus group from Canada here in Seoul.
A family of three in North Korea, circa 2007.
When the mother falls ill with tuberculosis, the father, played by Cha In-pyo, decides to head to China in search of medicine.
But he loses the little money he earned doing chores when Chinese police discover his alien status.
From then on, it's all downhill for him and his family.
Back over in South Hamgyong Province, his wife dies forcing their 10-year-old to wander off in search of his father.
The movie, which took four years to plan and produce, is inspired by the true story of a family who sought refuge in the Spanish Embassy in Beijing as part of a group of 25 defectors.
And because of the reclusive nature of North Korea, the shooting took place in Mongolia and South Korea's mountainous Gangwon Province.
Cha, who had been learning the Hamgyong dialect from North Korean defectors for two months prior to the start of shooting, said he hopes the movie will achieve one thing.
[INTERVIEW : ] "I feel like I'm revealing a child I've kept to myself for a long time. I don't see the movie as a moneymaking project. I only want the movie to contribute to possibly saving another life".
On a brighter note, Canadian circus group Nebbia will perform in Seoul next month.
This will be its first show in Asia.
The 2-hour show links different episodes and memories from the past to make up one story, revolving around a group of friends.
Unlike most circuses, the artists' costumes are limited to black and white with minimal make-up.
The troupe is well-known for its stagecraft with lighting that depicts a hazy background and fantastic color scheme.
But that's not apparent on the television screen now because the footage is from an outdoor media showcase.
Lee Jeewon, Arirang News.
The production, which is based on a true story, is securing critical acclaim.
In this week's cultural report, our Lee Jeewon has more on this movie as well as news of a circus group from Canada here in Seoul.
A family of three in North Korea, circa 2007.
When the mother falls ill with tuberculosis, the father, played by Cha In-pyo, decides to head to China in search of medicine.
But he loses the little money he earned doing chores when Chinese police discover his alien status.
From then on, it's all downhill for him and his family.
Back over in South Hamgyong Province, his wife dies forcing their 10-year-old to wander off in search of his father.
The movie, which took four years to plan and produce, is inspired by the true story of a family who sought refuge in the Spanish Embassy in Beijing as part of a group of 25 defectors.
And because of the reclusive nature of North Korea, the shooting took place in Mongolia and South Korea's mountainous Gangwon Province.
Cha, who had been learning the Hamgyong dialect from North Korean defectors for two months prior to the start of shooting, said he hopes the movie will achieve one thing.
[INTERVIEW : ] "I feel like I'm revealing a child I've kept to myself for a long time. I don't see the movie as a moneymaking project. I only want the movie to contribute to possibly saving another life".
On a brighter note, Canadian circus group Nebbia will perform in Seoul next month.
This will be its first show in Asia.
The 2-hour show links different episodes and memories from the past to make up one story, revolving around a group of friends.
Unlike most circuses, the artists' costumes are limited to black and white with minimal make-up.
The troupe is well-known for its stagecraft with lighting that depicts a hazy background and fantastic color scheme.
But that's not apparent on the television screen now because the footage is from an outdoor media showcase.
Lee Jeewon, Arirang News.
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