Nils
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CHOA Selected as Finalist by the Manuel Rivera-Ortiz Foundation

CHOA as a Manuel Rivera-Ortiz Foundation Finalist

CHOA was selected as a finalist for the 2014 documentary awards by the Manuel Rivera-Ortiz Foundation. This followed earlier recognition as a Vimeo Staff Pick and a feature by The Atlantic.

I made the film together with Adam Hobbs in Seoul. The project grew through close collaboration and trust. I am thankful to Underwood International College of Yonsei University for their support, and especially to Choa Choi for allowing us to follow her story.

About the Manuel Rivera-Ortiz Foundation

The Manuel Rivera-Ortiz Foundation began in 2010. It supports documentary work that looks at social and cultural issues. Instead of spectacle, the foundation values close observation. For this reason, it supports projects that stay near everyday life. This way of working fits well with my own approach.

The Documentary Award

Each year, the foundation selects documentary projects from many countries. The selected works are shown during the opening of the Rencontres d’Arles. As a result, the films reach a wider public. At the same time, they stay part of a focused documentary context.

Support Through the Grant

In addition to the award, the foundation offers grants. These grants help filmmakers during production and exhibition. Because of this, the foundation supports process rather than quick results. That focus feels important to me.

Manuel Rivera-Ortiz

The foundation was created by photographer Manuel Rivera-Ortiz. He grew up in Puerto Rico and later documented labor and daily life in different regions. His work focuses on dignity and resilience. That focus continues through the foundation’s programs.

Continuing the Work

CHOA remains a small and personal film. The finalist selection did not change how the film was made. However, it showed that a quiet and careful approach can still travel. For me, that is reason enough to keep working this way.

Choa, a female Korean ice hockey player, sits on a Seoul city bus early in the morning heading to the ice rink for a game, as the only woman on South Korea's men's team.
A night shot of the northern center of Seoul, featured in the documentary CHOA, highlighting a sole woman on a South Korean men's ice hockey team.
Choa, a female Korean ice hockey player, from behind, just about to step onto the ice during a game, as the only woman on South Korea’s men’s team.
Choa, a female Korean ice hockey player, poised to take a shot on the ice during a game as the only woman on South Korea’s men’s team.
Choa, a female Korean ice hockey player, prepares alone in the changing room for a practice session at the ice rink in Seoul, South Korea, as the sole woman on the men’s team.