Programmers' Picks: SuJ'n Chon on SIFF 2026
The Seoul Guardians
My heart raced during this thrilling documentary on the six‑hour South Korean martial law crisis during a snowy December 2024 self‑coup attempt. Triumphant yet deeply unsettling.
If I Go Will They Miss Me
Beautiful camerawork aside, rare are films that portray Black fathers and sons with such layered empathy. I was genuinely floored by its emotional honesty.
Silent Friend
Who knew that a 2.5-hour film about a tree could be so captivating? Plus Tony Leung Chiu-Wai in his second role outside Asia–enough said.
Deadline
Director Kiwi Chow pairs striking visuals with a tense narrative for a gripping, thought-provoking film about high-pressure student culture in Hong Kong, cementing his controversial acclaim.
Love Chaos Kin
Spanning years, this surprising transracial adoption story follows the Iyers, Hindu American parents raising white‑presenting twins while keeping ties to their struggling white birthmother and paternal Navajo ancestry.
En Route To
This strong debut treats sobering issues with a light touch, offering a touching coming‑of‑age tale about female friendship.
Cotton Queen
Gorgeously shot with strong performances and assured filmmaking from Sudan, rarely seen by international audiences.
Trial of Hein
An intriguing mystery about a man who returns to a tiny German island claiming to be a boy who left years ago—unrecognized by locals, even his own mother. Hmm…