Film Lens
The Silence narrates the experiences of fifteen former 'comfort women' who were sex slaves during World War II under the Imperial Japanese Army. The film presents these women's struggles for recognition and reparation, focusing on how their narratives have been shaped by nationalism and the formation of post-war Asian nation-states. Through the perspective of Zainichi Korean filmmaker Soo-nam Park, the documentary critiques the limited understanding of 'comfort women' issues, which have often been framed within Korean nationalism.
By centering the voices of these women, the film seeks to broaden the conversation around their experiences beyond the confines of national identity. It emphasizes the need for a more inclusive understanding of the historical context and the ongoing impact of these events on the survivors and their communities.
Why Watch
- •Meet the fifteen brave women sharing their stories.
- •See how nationalism affects historical narratives.
- •Find out about the ongoing fight for recognition.
Did You Know
•Fifteen women are featured in the documentary as former comfort women.
•The film was directed by Soo-nam Park, a Zainichi Korean filmmaker.
•The documentary has a runtime of 117 minutes.
•The issue of comfort women has been primarily viewed through a Korean nationalist lens.
Perfect For
World War II historyWomen's rights advocacyAsian studies