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15th DMZ Docs(2023)

I AM DOCU



Father, Brother

PARK Jungnam

  • Korea
  • 2018
  • 63min
  • 12 +
  • DCP
  • color

Synopsis

The names of the two ¡®fathers¡¯ encapsulate Korea's contemporary history. The older priest is known as ¡®Father Gang¡¯, symbolizing his fight against corrupt authority. The younger priest, on the other hand, is known as ¡®Father Red¡¯ for his advocacy of Korean reunification and for crossing the armistice line. These two figures were pivotal in challenging Park Chunghee's authoritarian regime, participating in the pro-democracy movement against military rule, advocating Lim Sukyung's visit to North Korea, protesting against U.S. military bases, addressing the Yongsan disaster, and standing up against the Jeju Gangjeong village incident. Their church provided solace to the vulnerable and marginalized.  

Review

 "It may be a path of suffering, a path of crosses, a lonely path, but you have me, and I have you, and we will go together." These were the words of Father Moon Gyuhyun in 1976 after he was ordained a priest and visited his brother, Father Moon Junghyun, in a Seoul detention center to bless him. The two brothers have spent the last few decades on the road. From declarations condemning the dictatorship, to bold attempts to cross the divide, to campaigns against military development and environmental degradation, the road has been the scene of struggles for democratization and progress in South Korea. Divided into two chapters, "Crossing the Divide" and "Walking the Path of Peace," The Story of Father, Brother captures the essence of their extraordinary lives. By arranging archival footage, historical records, and present-day scenes in a neat and understated manner, the film finds ways to commemorate those who "came to the lowest place." One of the ways is to follow the story of the two brides, but not bring them together. As we follow the images and words that faithfully capture Father Moon Junghyun and Father Moon Kyuhyun in their respective fields, we suddenly realize that we are witnessing a conversation between two people separated by time and space. In this way, Father, Brother approaches the truth that the priests on the road have devoted their lives to. 

Director

  • PARK Jungnam

    Born in 1973, Park has an extensive background as an independent producer, accumulating over 25 years of experience. Throughout his career, he has been involved in creating international relations programs and current affairs documentaries for national broadcasters. Additionally, Park collaborated with Newstapa, a Korean independent newsroom to produce the Witnesses series. His primary focus revolves around expanding his reach to a wider audience, identifying himself as a 'Broadcastist'. However, he is currently exploring alternative avenues, recognizing that the traditional notion of a national broadcaster has transformed due to shifts in the media landscape.

Credit