WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
To be defined, explicated, expounded on. Who are we when we are scrutinized to the point of being suddenly placed into one singular category of being, unable (supposedly) to extricate ourselves from the label that others would place upon us or (mis)represent us under. Through all the generations of people, there are consistently those who get positioned to be seen in only one way, often to the detriment of said grouping, while others believe they can just sit back and claim their notions as the only, undeniable, unchangeable truth. This has sadly been the case when it comes to the division between genders, especially in the perceptions of women. However, as this contemporary age moves forward, more and more women come to the forefront and not just stand firm for whom they already are–but for whom they’ve always been. Strong. Intelligent. Worthy. Impactful. Watch this history unfold.
Next, my Mind:
It’s been heard a thousand times over in the span of eras that come and go–the concept that “women are simply to be “this way” and that is final”. It is a narrow-minded sentiment and one that shows a disrespect for the true value the gender has, regardless of “tradition” or “it always been this way”. With this seven and a half minute short film from Korean director Yongchu Suh that screened during the 2nd Annual Berlin Illambra Experimental Film Festival housed at Salon AM Moritzplatz and hosted by Illambra, the entire idea is shattered even further via presenting images of Korean women through history in a uniquely unifying yet, I say, intentionally defiant way that means to state they are breaking free of all the previously conceived portraits of who they have been labeled as, instead giving strong illustration of who they ARE.
Utilizing, with deft precision, a mix of animation and old, faded photographs, a collage of these Korean woman are presented as an ode to their place in history and to show the importance in society they have earned and continue to gain. It’s a message that there is longer a tolerance to be stereotyped, undefined, or locked in a gilded cage of expectations, but instead breaking free. Additionally, as the images pass by in the manner they do for us as the viewer, it’s literally like watching birth, death, and re-birth of the time periods these women depicted were and then are a part of, a constant regeneration and along with it a rejuvenation of the now-unfolding message Suh’s film engenders. It’s truly beautiful and inspiring, especially as currently in the filmmaking realms on all levels, women directors are making themselves known whole-heartedly and with superb success.
As she, of course being said filmmaker, so eloquently describes her own film, Suh shares that the project “was created through the handling, ripping, painting, and tearing of old photgraphs in an analog process that recalls a performative ritual. It is at once a tribute to my Mom, who lived through tumultous times as a daughter, sister, wife, and mother, and a kind of carnivalistic act of sympathy for the myriad of lives of women that cannot be singulary symbolized and defined. I hope that the visual and auditory imagery with its many layers and textures creates an involuntary and indefinable sensory experience which transports the viewer to a surreal (or unreal) space and time. Truly, the film accomplishes this with highly effective potency when you realize the scope of historical significance and modern truth everything we see in it represents for women overall.
In total, “Miss Park Project #1” is a quality short film effort that, as with many an indie film I’ve seen, chooses to be about both creative, artistic presentation and delivering a relevant, necessary message for us as the audience to take in, enjoy, and apply respectively, as given the unsettled nature of our world at times, it’s always a good thing to have a medium of influence that can change our minds for the betterment of society rather than to its further decline.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
