Plastic Girls Cinequest: Spotlight at Cinequest Film Festival
To celebrate our selection at the prestigious CINEQUEST FILM & VR FESTIVAL, Udo Lee, In-ah Shin, and I crafted a dynamic spotlight trailer for PLASTIC GIRLS. This short documentary has been chosen among 1750 entries worldwide, showcasing our dedication to cinematic storytelling. Join us at the festival’s Short Film Competition on the following dates and venues:
*Sat, Mar 3, 12:25 PM at 3 Below Theaters & Lounge (formerly Camera 3 Cinemas) – 288 S 2nd St, San Jose, CA 95113
*Mon, Mar 5, 8:15 PM at Century 20 Redwood City (Screen 10) – 1627, 825 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City, CA 94063
*Sat, Mar 10, 10:00 AM at 3 Below Theaters & Lounge (formerly Camera 3 Cinemas) – 288 S 2nd St, San Jose, CA 95113
*Sun, Mar 11, 10:45 AM at Century 20 Redwood City (Screen 11) – 1627, 825 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City, CA 94063
CINEQUEST FILM & VR FESTIVAL, acclaimed as the “Best Film Festival (of the nation),” invites you to witness PLASTIC GIRLS, a visual journey through Seoul’s vibrant streets. As a cinematographer, director of photography, and filmmaker based in Seoul, South Korea, this project holds a special place in my heart.
Director’s Pre-Interview: Unveiling the Inspiration Behind PLASTIC GIRLS
In 2015, designer Hyun Cho approached me for a book project titled SEOUL WELCOMES YOU. This collaboration led to the creation of PLASTIC GIRLS. The idea sprouted from the peculiar mannequins scattered across Seoul’s urban landscape, captivating our attention with their synthetic allure.
PLASTIC GIRLS, the final installment of my Korea trilogy, addresses societal norms, gender roles, and beauty standards. Working closely with Udo Lee, the composer, we delved into the psyche of these mechanized mannequins, challenging conventional narratives.
Scripted Interviews: Giving Voices to the Silent Mannequins
Unlike my previous films, PLASTIC GIRLS required scripted interviews to express the thoughts and emotions of the mannequins. Through characters like Saemi, Rora, and Sunny, we explore beauty-related expressions ingrained in Korean culture. The film critiques societal expectations and the entertainment industry’s impact on individuality.
Music in PLASTIC GIRLS: Udo Lee’s Melodic Narrative
Udo Lee‘s composition plays a pivotal role, setting the tone for the quirkiness of mechanized mannequins. As a cinematographer and director, I believe in the synergy between visuals and music. PLASTIC GIRLS allows us to challenge societal norms while celebrating artistic collaboration.
Filmmaking Approach and Future Projects
PLASTIC GIRLS aligns with my overarching approach of putting people at the heart of storytelling. The film connects visually with my previous works, exploring themes of space and architecture. As we anticipate the UIA World Architects Congress in Seoul, our team is working on an exciting film exploring architectural concepts through the eyes of children from diverse backgrounds.
In my role as a DoP, I recently collaborated with Danish director Frederik Sølberg on the project “HANAWON – A PLACE FOR ONE PEOPLE,” shedding light on the experiences of North Koreans in South Korea. The film reflects our commitment to thought-provoking storytelling.
Conclusion
Join us on this cinematic journey with PLASTIC GIRLS, a testament to storytelling that goes beyond the ordinary. As a cinematographer, director of photography, and filmmaker based in Seoul, I invite you to immerse yourself in the visual and narrative richness of PLASTIC GIRLS.
