True North, the Film
On Dec. 4 this year, LFNKR and several other human rights related NGOs hosted the 2021 North Korea Human Rights Film Festival.
During the Film Festival several movies were screened, including director Eiji Han Shimizu’s “True North,” the 2020 Annecy Festival officially selected film.
“True North” focuses on Yohan, who, at age nine, is forcibly relocated with his mother and sister to a notoriously cruel political prison camp in North Korea.
The film shows his innocence gradually being eroded by the harsh brutality of the camp, and the rest of his family trying to maintain their decency and compassion for their fellow humans.
Years later, after being devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of a loved one, he begins to reassess the meaning of his life, even as he struggles to survive in the worst imaginable living conditions.
Other movies screened during the Film Festival discussed the issue of Japanese citizens who have been abducted by North Korea over the years.
“True North,” the full movie, is now available at Netflix in English. We hope as many people as possible will watch this movie.
Below is an interview with director Eiji Han Shimizu by director, producer, and animator, Frank Gladstone. Please enjoy.