This cycle showcases the cinematic works of filmmakers from East Asian diasporas, exploring North American identity in their films.
Winner of the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award, 2020 Sundance
A tender and sweeping story about what roots us, Minari follows a Korean-American family that moves to an Arkansas farm in search of their own American Dream. The family home changes completely with the arrival of their sly, foul-mouthed, but incredibly loving grandmother. Amidst the instability and challenges of this new life in the rugged Ozarks, Minari shows the undeniable resilience of family and what really makes a home.
Lee Isaac Chung
Lee Isaac Chung, hailing from Denver, Colorado, is a Korean-American filmmaker and screenwriter. His directorial debut, Munyurangabo, marked the first narrative film in the Kinyarwanda language and earned a spot in the official competition at prestigious festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, TIFF, and the Busan International Film Festival. Following this, Chung directed Lucky Life (2010) and Abigail Harm (2012) before rising to fame with his semi-autobiographical film Minari (2020). The film garnered six Academy Awards nominations, including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.
