At the Dublin International Film Festival, Finding Joy quietly found its place among a diverse and strong selection of films. Directed by Neil Dowling and shot by Seoul-based cinematographer Nils Clauss, the film stood out for its restrained storytelling and carefully observed visuals.

A story shaped by place

Set between Berlin and Seoul, Finding Joy follows Lukas, played by Crisjan Zöllner, as he moves through a period of personal uncertainty. The film traces his search for connection and meaning with a quiet confidence, allowing space for nuance rather than easy answers. Opposite him, Ji-Young Moon brings warmth and complexity to the character of Joy. Together, their performances ground the film’s exploration of love, loss, and the fragile pursuit of happiness.

Between Berlin and Seoul

The film’s two cities are more than backdrops. Through its cinematography, Finding Joy captures the contrast and rhythm of everyday life in both Berlin and Seoul, moving from moments of intimacy to the pulse of the city at large. The camera work remains unobtrusive, letting the locations speak for themselves while reflecting Lukas’ internal state as he navigates unfamiliar emotional terrain.

A quiet sense of resilience

At its core, Finding Joy is about endurance rather than transformation. It suggests that meaning often emerges slowly, through lived experience rather than decisive moments. Lukas’ journey unfolds without spectacle, inviting the audience to sit with uncertainty, reflection, and the small shifts that shape a person over time.

Continuing its journey

From its screening at the Dublin International Film Festival to its growing presence with audiences elsewhere, Finding Joy reflects the strength of understated filmmaking. It’s a reminder of cinema’s ability to connect people across cultures through shared, deeply human experiences—without needing to raise its voice to be heard.