The Korean Center, Inc presents the screening of “A. KIM“. The screening is followed by a Q&A with the director, Yulia Khvan.
Tickets are $10 if purchased in advanced and $15 at the door. Snacks and beverages will be provided.
‘Koryo-saram’ is the name given to the Korean diaspora that lived (and still live) in the former Soviet Union. ‘Koryo’ is the name the historical dynasty that ruled over the Korean peninsula, and ‘Saram’ means ‘people’. Hence, ‘Koryo-Saram’ literally translates to ‘Korean people’.
This short film sheds light on the little known history of koryo-saram, who have faced political persecution and endured significant hardships. Inspired by Khvan’s own experiences as a koryo-saram, this film also explores the inter-generational journey of self-discovery within the koryo-saram community while addressing the tension between family responsibility and self-fulfillment.
SYNOPSIS:
A.Kim is a koryo-saram, who lives in Tashkent (former Soviet Union). All seems well: he is modest, introspective, and excels at doing chores. Most would describe A.Kim as a good citizen. One day, a friend gifts A.Kim with an unexpected souvenir. It changes unspoken things. Among those, a perspective of what he is to himself. The life that surrounds takes on a new meaning.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR:
Yulia Khvan is a member of a koryo-saram community in Uzbekistan and part of the LGBTQ+ community. She was born in Tashkent and studied international law in Sweden prior to becoming a filmmaker. Her works include: ‘Vito’ 2021 (short film, official selection at 16th Manuel Trujillo Durán International Short Film Festival, Yale Hollywood Festival 2021), production work in Argentine documentary ‘Terminal Norte’ 2021 (by Lucrecia Martel), and Emmy-nominated mockumentary series ‘Polypeople’ 2020 USA (by Thales Correa).
