Film Lens
The documentary takes place in Tokyo, Japan, where a North Korean community celebrates the leadership of Kim Jong-il. It shows how over 10,000 people gather to support a regime that restricts freedoms and resources for their relatives back in North Korea. The film captures the atmosphere of a high school run by this community, where students learn North Korean ideology and prepare for a school trip to Pyongyang, reflecting a blend of education, culture, and politics.
The film also shows the financial sacrifices made by families to support these schools, costing around $1,500 a month. It reveals how donations are sent to North Korea, with community members expressing blind faith in the regime despite reports of hardship. The documentary portrays the complexities of identity and loyalty within the North Korean diaspora in Japan, as well as the political influence of pro-Pyongyang organizations operating in the country.
Why Watch
- •See how North Korean ideology shapes education in Japan.
- •Meet students preparing for a school trip to Pyongyang.
- •Find out about the financial support sent to North Korea.
Did You Know
•Over 10,000 people gathered in Tokyo to celebrate Kim Jong-il's leadership.
•It costs around $1,500 a month for families to send children to North Korean schools in Japan.
•Many of Japan's 18,000 pachinko parlors are owned by Koreans, generating $250 billion a year.
Perfect For
North Korean culturePolitical activismAsian diaspora studies