Ninety-Four
film overview
Ninety-Four is a documentary short capturing the life and reflections of my grandfather, Wooyoung Chung. The inspiration for this film stemmed from the realization that my opportunities to connect with him are fleeting, occurring only once a year during my brief visits to Korea. Each encounter serves as a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the inevitable aging of a loved one. Ninety-Four was born out of this desire to capture, firsthand, a piece of my grandfather's captivating life story.
The film serves not only as a testament to the richness of my grandfather's life but also as a reflection on the broader theme of resilience amidst societal transformations, contributing to the collective memory of a generation that witnessed the extraordinary evolution of South Korea. As one of the few remaining witnesses from that era, my grandfather offers a unique personal account of the historical events that shaped the nation.
DIRECTOR STATEMENT
As an Asian American filmmaker, I am interested in telling stories about existing in liminal spaces where self-discovery, cultural identity, and the discomfort of the human experience converge. It is my hope that Ninety-Four not only honors my grandfather’s legacy but also invites audiences to reflect on their own familial ties, as well as the interconnectedness of personal and collective histories.