Same Same, but Different
2008, Feature doc, MiniDV/Super 8/16mm, Color/B & W
It took me a long time to realize what a special guy my dad is. I'm glad I finally did.
By the time I graduated from Harvard, my father and I hadn't spoken for two years. He was furious I chose to be an artist instead of fulfilling his dreams of seeing me become the first Asian-American Supreme Court Justice.
Upon graduation, I was awarded a grant to make a film I hoped would reunite us. I drove across America and spent a few months in South Korea filming, exploring, figuring things out. Apa joined me in Korea to travel the country he hadn't returned to in 35 years. We found friends he hadn't seen in decades, visited his alma mater...and as we explored his life, we began to bridge the divide.
This film about familial estrangement documents the journey towards peace.
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Reviews, Awards
Films for the Feminist Classroom
The 73rd most popular blogger in Akron, Ohio
1st place, Project Sunlight
Educational Screenings
Purdue University - Studied as exemplar documentary film for students enrolled in English 108.
National Center for the Preservation of Democracy - Segments screened for middle school students who studied the film in its entirety in their Language Arts class. Afterwards, I visited their school, answered questions, and taught a workshop on interviews.
Thank you
Very talented people worked on this film. Some for little money, most for free. Woody Pak composed the profoundly beautiful score, Brett Hinton & Brooke Lowrey labored tirelessly and joyfully in creating a pristine sound mix, and Eric Moore & Nicole Tiesma lent me their hearts in a push that finished the film.
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Copies of the film can be ordered by contacting korean@realblonde.com
Purchase price for College/University/Business: $250
Purchase price for individual: $65