'HOUSE OF HUMMING BIRD'
In order to collect some further news on Los Angeles Asia Film Festival, I dropped in the office at downtown hastily and I met Sara Kim, a Korean American who was one of the volunteer workers. And I asked for arranging an interview with Korean directors. her for arranging to interview with Korean directors.
Thanks to her, I could, fortunately, get an interview meeting with KIM, Bora who is the Director of the movie <House of Humming Bird>. <House of Humming Bird> is the Debut work of Director Kim, and already many awarded from Film Festivals and got excellent critics as this movie has opened a new horizon on Korean Independent Movies.
This movie has a background of deadly Seongsu Bridge collapse in 1994, a young girl “Eunhee” middle school girl faces many troubles. She tried to search for a taste of sweetness wherever she may find it. The story of the growth of a young girl in the situation of deprived society attention. This movie was awarded Grand Prix in Generation plus 14 sessions in Berlin Flim Festival, Golden Tulip in International Competition in Istanbul Film Festival, and Jury Special award in Beijing Film Festival. It also acquired three awards including Grand Prix in International Competition in Tribeca Film Festival, which was organized for helping residents after the 911 Attacks. And the LA Asia Film Festival, this movie was awarded Grand Jury Award on narrative features(International).
During weekend dinner time with family, I got a phone call from her. I rushed to Santa Monica to meet her because Director Kim was scheduled to go back to Korea the next morning.
JUN Thanks for your kindness in allowing times for our interview. Just heard you got the award this time again.
KIM Yes, I got the Grand Jury Award last night.
JUN Congratulations Could you tell me some reactions to your movie on many nations including LA Festival?
KIM First of all, many Korean living overseas came to see this movie, and their reactions are fully shared tragic emotions on the deadly collapse of the Seongsu Bridge and setting, 80-90 in Korea. Also, they were had the same agreeable to the growth of children in the story.
JUN How about reactions from abroad?
KIM As like Korean, foreigners could agree with typical emotions on young aged lives. In all countries have one big accident that everyone can empathize with. As like, Japan- Tsunami, Italy- collapsed bridge, USA- 911…
JUN I think there was a more acceptable reaction compared to the tragic side. Could you tell me if you will keep this kind of theme? And I am also curious about the main perspective that you intended.
KIM Somehow I might keep such a stance. And I am very interested in the energy came from the human relationship. I think this energy is the power of living.
JUN Little more comments on the power of living?
KIM Let me say that actually human, a kind of animal, seems so feeble and easy-breakable features, but I am thinking that always we could stand up from unbearable and any hardships. From the national perspective, we have experienced small and big suffering but we finally overcame them, and we believe that we can overcome the future sufferings too. These difficulties and unhappiness can act as media connected to the spring of hope. Those words are what I desired to tell in the story.
JUN I believe that there would be a number of hard works and obstacles producing an independent narrative movie.
KIM Yes, indeed. I am so grateful that I could overcome so many difficulties. I started writing frames of this scenario when I got an artist residence at Mac Dowell in 2013. Then, I got supporting funds from Seoul Int'l Woman Film Festival, Mega Box, and Cinema Assistance Committee. Also, I could complete 2nd part by assisting from Busan Int'l Cinema Festival, Asia Cinema Funds, SUNDANCE Film Festival and, US Independence Association.
JUN On hearing details, I could fully understand such difficulties of completing the movie. Nowadays, I think that people are losing interest in independent movies for various reasons, but still, there are some waiting for good ones. Could you tell me your plan for next movie?
KIM Well, I have some basic frames but, as I told you, the processing courses would be so hard for me. It makes me draw a sigh at this moment. As a matter of fact, it would be beyond my own ability with the problems of cinema prodution. I am trying to write a better story and I hope to show it through film. And the audience could get emotions I intended which can lead to some changes. That is my hope. No other wishes.
JUN It is quite real and good. How about problems with financing for production and some other problems with sales.
KIM For the moment, there is no well-known and recognized woman director in Korea and in general circumstances, it is harder for women to produce a movie. We can face some difficulties in the working site and other places Such invisible obstacles have remained. Many young women who graduated from Cinema major in colleges, give up further steps. Still, we even cannot find out a role model.
JUN Well. That is a pity Turn the subject, I heard ‘House of Hummingbird’ will show in Korea soon.
KIM Yes. It is scheduled for coming August. We may not get many theaters, but we hope that many fans come to watch and encourage our staff.
JUN Could we see this movie in the USA.
KIM I already settled the plan, however, it would be very helpful if we get good reactions from Korea.
JUN I hope we can watch your movie here soon. Thank you so much for allowing time for a good conversation in a busy schedule.
KIM Thanks.
In closing conservation with Director Kim, I remind her eye. As director of movie production, she has deep curiosity and hardness. During the conversation, I could feel such a feeling perpetually.
Also, I could get that she knew her way to go with controlled steps.
Hollywood Report mentioned on her and her movie that it contained sensitive, keenly observed, and unflinchingly honest.
Jo Anac(critic) on Tribeca Film Festival said that she tried to criticize long-standing culture and customs in her debut work and he was surprised at her solid perspective.
I wonder if she knew that she did make a great output having overcome lots of struggles. And she may not perceive, but she became a role model from somebody… Here, sending our supports and encouragement to her more successful steps…
* 《쿨투라》 2019년 6월호(통권 60호) *
