Screening of Witnesses to Democracy: The Journey of a Mother and a Photographer & Conversation with Kim Newton and Dr. Jeehey Kim

Witnesses to Democracy: the Journey of a Mother and a Photographer is an award-winning documentary film that tells the story of three people brought together by the tragic killing of college student Lee Han-yeol, whose death propelled the South Korean Democracy movement in June 1987. The film introduces us to Eunshim Bai, the mother of the slain student, Professor Emeritus Kim Newton, and Woo Seokhun. Newton, a former freelance photographer in Seoul, returned to South Korea a few years ago in the midst of a modern-day social uprising to participate in the making of this important social documentary.

This remarkable documentary was produced by the Korean director Manjin Kim. Kim’s distinctive directing style is highly regarded within the Korean documentary professional community. His ability to deeply connect with the main characters, the sophisticated use of music, and his profound interest in South Korea’s modern history and society have had a lasting impact on young South Korean documentary filmmakers.

After the conclusion of this film, there will be a Q&A session with Kim Newton, UA Photojournalism Prof. Emeritus, and Dr. Jeehey Kim, Photography History Professor in the UA School of Art. Do not miss this unique chance to be part of the conversation with one of the witnesses of the Korean democratic movement in the context of contemporary Korean photography!

This event is held with the support of the UA School of Journalism. It is free and open to the public.