Documentary backdrop image for Beyond Utopia (2023)

2023116 minPG-13documentary

7.8/ 10(66 ratings)• TMDB

Freedom Of Expression Human Trafficking

Deep Dive

Beyond Utopia

Rating: 4
Author: Wendy Ide

2023116 minPG-13documentary

7.8/ 10(66 ratings)• TMDB

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Over 1,000 North Korean defectors have been rescued by Pastor Seungeun Kim and his underground network since 2000.

“See a place few have ever seen.”

Freedom Of Expression Human Trafficking

Genres

Politics

Director

Madeleine Gavin

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Synopsis

Over 1,000 North Korean defectors have been rescued by Pastor Seungeun Kim and his underground network since 2000.

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People

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Madeleine Gavindirector

Madeleine Gavinwriter

Barbara Demickcast

Kim Sung-euncast

Lee Hyeon-seocast

Synopsis

Pastor Seungeun Kim leads the Caleb Mission, an underground network that has rescued over 1,000 North Korean defectors since 2000. "Beyond Utopia" features amateur footage from inside North Korea and interviews with defectors like Hyeonseo Lee and Lee So-yeon. The film debuted at the Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2023, and later screened at the Busan International Film Festival. It captures the perilous journeys of families escaping an oppressive regime and the moral imperative to assist them.

What Critics Say

Madeleine Gavin’s prize-winning film about covert missions to rescue exiles is a fraught, compelling watch.

Wendy IdeRead full article

October 29, 2023

Deep Dive

Why Watch

See Pastor Seungeun Kim's rescue efforts for defectors.
Meet defectors like Hyeonseo Lee sharing their stories.
Find out what life is like inside North Korea.

Did You Know

Pastor Seungeun Kim has rescued over 1,000 North Korean defectors since 2000.
Beyond Utopia debuted at the Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2023.
The film was screened at the Busan International Film Festival on October 8, 2023.
Rotten Tomatoes reports 100% positive reviews from 58 critics.

Perfect For

Human rights activismNorth Korean defectorsDocumentary enthusiasts

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who directed the documentary Beyond Utopia?

Beyond Utopia was directed by Madeleine Gavin.

When did Beyond Utopia debut at the Sundance Film Festival?

Beyond Utopia debuted at the Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2023.

What is the Rotten Tomatoes score for Beyond Utopia?

Beyond Utopia has a 100% approval rating based on 58 critics' reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.

Awards & Festivals

Emmy Awards

2023 • Award

DOC NYC

2023 • Official selection

Busan International Film Festival

2023 • Official selection

Sundance Film Festival

2023 • Official selection

Awards & Festivals

Comments

What are people saying?

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