Voices of the Silenced

Voices of the Silenced immerses the viewers in the historical narrative of Park Soo-nam, a Korean born in colonial-era Japan. Through the meticulous curation of two 16mm documentary films dating back to 1985, alongside the restoration of previously unreleased footage, the film resurrects the testimonies of witnesses, providing a poignant exploration of the Zainichi Korean experience.

As the film traverses from the past to the present, it prompts audiences to reflect on the profound impact of colonization and war, compelling us to confront the losses endured by communities of the Zainichi Koreans. In doing so, it serves as a vital record of their ongoing struggle for justice and recognition.

Voices of the Silenced not only challenges us to contemplate the essence of documentary filmmaking but also sparks crucial inquiries about the importance of reclaiming lost histories in the face of historical injustices. This collaborative endeavor, helmed by director Park Soo-nam and her daughter and co-director Park Maeui, stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of those whose voices have been marginalized and silenced.

Online Q&A with directors Park Soo-nam und Park Maeui after the screening. Interpretation: Frank Herberg

PARK SOO-NAM
Park Soo-nam was born in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan in 1935 as a second-generation Korean-Japanese. Her book Crime, Death and Love (1963) focused on a Korean-Japanese death row inmate. In 1986, she made her debut as a documentary director with The Other Hiroshima – Korean A-bomb Victims Tell Their Story.

PARK MAEUI
Park Maeui is author/director Park Soo-nam’s daughter. From her teenage years, she collaborated with her mother on a number of film productions. When her mother lost her eyesight, Park took on tasks related to video editing and film restoration. She served as the associate director for Nuchigafu – Life is a Treasure Gyokusai Stories in the Battle of Okinawa (2012) and handled the editing and producing for The Silence (2016).

Red Lotus 2024

Japan, South Korea 2023
142 Min | Color | Japanese and Korean with English subtitles

Directed by PARK Soo-nam, PARK Maeui

Voices of the Silenced © ARTicle films