キム•デワン　Kim Dae-hwan

Director Kim Dae-Hwan 

Movie  “The FirstLap”

We all feel stuck at one point in our life. Are we heading towards the right direction or is it time to change? “The First Lap” is a beautiful film about a couple trying to be together and meeting each other’s family.  Marriage unites two people but also two families, and often the process is not that easy…

Director Kim Dae-Hwan had a similar experience.  Like many young people today, he also feared the economy and the politics around him.   When there was a tragic ferry boat accident in South Korea in 2014, not only young men and women, but also the older generation asked the same question: “Can our society afford to have future children?”

The movie reflects a modern problem in our society.  In many countries birth rate has decreased and almost everyone wants to succeed economically.  In South Korea, a lot of students like to attend university and work only in Seoul, the capital.  Not everyone can afford the high cost of education and the achievement for many is out of reach.

Director Kim is very careful about sending one particular message.  He likes to show the audience that there still are many possibilities in life.  “Just go ahead” he says, “ the process is important”.

So, Mr. Kim and his fiancé decided to get married after passing difficult times like the couple in his movie. The marriage is scheduled for next week, right after the Vancouver International Film Festival.  When the happy news was announced, the director smiled and thanked the cheering audience.

Director Kim’s last movies were both an international success. This movie delivered him the Best New Director Award at the 70th Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland and his first movie “End of Winter” won the New Currents Award at the Busan International Film Festival.

It is a must-see movie, especially during winter. The ending is so special that it will keep you warm for a very, very long time.