Child embracing adult in a dimly lit environment with lens flare.

Beyond Utopia

(Beyond Utopia)

Both individuals and entire families want to escape from North Korea. Pastor Kim has dedicated his life to God and refugees, whom he tries to assist on their treacherous journey across a wild river, inhospitable Chinese mountains and the Vietnamese jungle.

North Korea is completely cut off from its surroundings. No form of freedom exists here. The phone never stops ringing for Pastor Kim, who helps refugees. From his home in South Korea, he and his network of smugglers organise escapes from the neighbouring country. The film focuses on the story of a mother who is trying to reunite with her son, and a family of five who want a better future for their children. However, successfully crossing the border with China is only the beginning of an arduous journey full of military patrols and farmers who make money from reporting refugees. In the end, there are no options other than death in a gulag – or waking up in a new world.

Lucerna Cinema – large hall, Vodičkova 36, Praha 1

Discussion
Jaromír Chlada, Expert on Korean politics
Magdalena Slezáková, Moderator
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Světozor Cinema - third hall, Vodičkova 41, Praha 1

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Atlas – small hall, Ke Štvanici 371/4, Praha 8

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TitleBeyond Utopia
Original TitleBeyond Utopia
Original LanguageKorean, English
Subtitles Czech, English
PremiéraCzech distribution premiere
Film typeFull-length documentary
Year of Production2023
Country of OriginUSA
Length115 min.
Tags Dictatorships, Migration, Asia
Director Madeleine Gavin

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