Films & Events
Kimjongilia
Artfully melding dignity with indignation, Kimjongilia opens with the triumphant sounds and images that North Korea presents to the world. Life behind the Kim dynasty's 60-year façade, however, involves censorship, food shortages, prison camps, and public executions, leading to the deaths of millions. Thirteen defectors who escaped between 1992 and 2006 relate their harrowing experiences, as director N.C. Heikin illustrates their words using state-sanctioned propaganda and the expressive moves of modern dancers. Several speakers grew up thinking of Kim Il-sung, the father of General Kim Jong-il, as an exalted member of their own family, like an all-powerful grandfather. Sent to a camp at nine years of age, Kang Chol-hwan took solace in a smuggled copy of “The Count of Monte Cristo,” inspiring him to make his own getaway ten years later. Representing love, peace, wisdom, and justice, the Kimjongilia flower, a red begonia, commemorates the Great Leader's 46th birthday, but it's his legacy of injustice that inflames Heikin's film. As Mrs. Kim (no relation) pleads, The world has to save North Korea. We have to speak of it. With generosity and compassion, Heikin gives these brave refugees that chance. Director N.C. Heikin and producer James Egan expected to attend June 12 and June 13 screenings
Sponsor:
Alaska Airlines
Cast & Crew
Director: N.C. Heikin
Producer: N.C. Heikin, Robert Pépin, Young-sun Cho, David Novack
Editor: Peterson Almeida, Mary Lampson
Cinematographer: Kyle Saylors
Music: Michael Gordon
Filmography: Debut Feature Film
World Sales: Visit Films
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(3 reviews)
user reviews
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An artful & important documentary, Jun 14, 2009
By Zheng Wang
“With elements of an art collage and a performance piece, this is a stunning exposé of a country where extreme oppression and atrocity are still going on today.”
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excellent docu, Jun 15, 2009
By denise packer
“this was just wonderfully done. frighteningly real testimonies from nk escapees...wow! i learned so much about north korea that i didn't know, but it wasn't dry at all just a really great documentary!”
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I had no idea, Jun 15, 2009
By alex grande
“Of the concentration camps in NK and I even lived in South Korea and spoke with many about the divide. What a great film! Powerful! Everyone should see this.”
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