Independent documentary director Kim Dong-won is perhaps best known for his 2003 film “Repatriation,” a moving work that looked at the repatriation of North Korean spies to their homeland. The film won the Freedom of Expression Award at the 2004 Sundance International Film Festival. Kim has tried to shed light on the lives of poor and marginalized people with a belief that a film should simply contribute to making the world a better place. The book consists of critical comments, intensive interviews, a biography, synopses, and a filmography. Prominent film critics, Chris Berry, Jung Han-seok and Professor Nam In-young contribute their analyses to this book, giving readers more perspectives to understand the significance of Kim Dong-won’s films.

Excerpt

Many have the tendency to believe that the best thing possible is when a movie selectively projects or records life. Kim Dong-won, however, creates a moment when a movie becomes life itself and strongly believes that only such a moment makes the movie worthwhile all together. Kim believes that a movie should simply contribute to a better life. When Kim was invited to the The Sundance International Film Festival for “Repatriation,” a member of the audience challenged him by asking, “Do you believe a movie can change the world?” Kim’s immediate response was, “Absolutely! Next question, please!”