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VAFF 19

Nov 5: Program 1 - Opening Night: Seoul Searching and Opening Gala

“These children that you spit on, as they try to change their worlds, are immune to your consultations; they’re quite aware of what they’re going through.” This quote from legendary British music artist David Bowie opened the iconic 1985 John Hughes film “The Breakfast Club,” and could be just as anthemic for the teens in Korean American director/producer Benson Lee’s “Seoul Searching,” our OPENING NIGHT presentation. Set in 1986 and based on actual events, the core of Lee’s nostalgically funny film is a heartfelt exploration of “Who am I?” and “Where do I belong?” by a group of Korean misfits from around the world (including Sid not-so Vicious played by Justin Chon, “21 And Over,” “The Twilight Saga.”), forced by their parents to attend a cultural propaganda camp in Korea—resulting in the wickedly best summer of their lives. An official selection of the 2015 Sundance Film Festival and a Vancouver premiere. Preceded by USA-based Korean filmmaker Minji Kang’s subtly satirical, festival award-winning short film, “The Loyalist,” which examines the burden of privilege when the teenage daughter of a North Korean general gets sent to a Swiss boarding school.


  1. The Loyalist

    Minji Kang / Nov 5: Program 1 - Opening Night: Seoul Searching and Opening Gala / South Korea, USA / 2015 / Drama, Family / 20 mins
    A North Korean general checks in on his daughter at a Swiss boarding school, to test her loyalty to her motherland.

    Precedes: Seoul Searching


  2. Seoul Searching

    Benson Lee / Nov 5: Program 1 - Opening Night: Seoul Searching and Opening Gala / USA / 2015 / Comedy, Drama / 105 mins
    During the 1980's, the Korean government created special annual summer camps in Seoul for "gyopo" (foreign-born teenagers) so they could learn about their motherland. Set in 1986 and based on a true story, Seoul Searching is a romantic teen comedy and coming of age film about a group of diverse Korean teens desperately trying to connect with one another—in the end, only to find themselves.

    Preceded by: The Loyalist