Daniel Dae Kim and his production company 3AD have taken on executive producer roles for the documentary 'School for Defectors.' This film, directed by Jeremy Workman, delves into the lives of students at a unique educational institution in Busan, South Korea, specifically established for young North Korean defectors. The documentary provides an intimate portrayal of their journeys, highlighting both the adversities they have overcome and their hopes for the future. The project has already received significant recognition, including six awards, and is scheduled to be showcased at Doc NYC.
Celebrated Actor and Production Company Support Documentary on North Korean Defectors' Educational Journeys
In a significant development for the documentary film 'School for Defectors,' renowned actor Daniel Dae Kim and his production entity, 3AD, have officially joined the project as executive producers. This announcement underscores the growing attention on the film's compelling narrative, which centers on a distinctive school located in Busan, South Korea. The educational facility caters exclusively to approximately 20 students, all of whom are individuals who have bravely escaped from North Korea. Filmmaker Jeremy Workman was granted unprecedented access to this closely-knit community, offering viewers a rare glimpse into their daily lives, their past experiences, and their aspirations for a brighter future.
Kim's 3AD production company is now part of a distinguished team of producers, including Bearing North, WildBrush Media, SonaFilms, and Hooligan Films. Speaking on their involvement, Kim expressed his profound belief in the power of documentary filmmaking to illuminate human stories. He lauded Workman's ability to craft a narrative imbued with 'heart, humor, and humanity' through the lens of this extraordinary high school. The film made its debut at the True/False Film Festival in March and has since been screened at numerous other prestigious festivals, including Florida, RiverRun, DC/DOX, Calgary, Hamptons, Woodstock, Heartland, and Vancouver, where it has already secured six awards. Its next major showing is anticipated at Doc NYC.
Workman highlighted that 'School for Defectors' transcends a mere portrayal of North Korea. He emphasized that the film is fundamentally a story about 'youth, hope, and the universal desire to belong.' He praised Daniel Dae Kim's consistent dedication to championing diverse stories and communities, expressing honor that Kim and 3AD are now helping to broaden the film's reach. Workman, represented by UTA, is known for his compelling portraits of unconventional and often driven individuals, with acclaimed works such as 'Secret Mall Apartment' (Netflix) and 'Lily Topples the World' (Max) among his credits. His documentaries collectively boast an impressive 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Daniel Dae Kim's illustrious career extends beyond acting, encompassing a Tony nomination for his role in 'Yellow Face.' He also hosts and executive produces 'K-Everything,' a four-part CNN travel series exploring South Korea's global cultural impact, which premiered on May 9. In June, he featured in the second season of 'Avatar: The Last Airbender.' Beyond his artistic endeavors, Kim's testimony before Congress played a pivotal role in the passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act. He actively collaborates with AAPI community groups and co-chairs the advisory council of TAAF. His company, 3AD, established in 2014, is dedicated to creating content across various mediums and genres that spotlight historically underrepresented voices. Their notable productions include the hit ABC series 'The Good Doctor,' the Amazon Prime thriller 'Butterfly,' and the IFC documentary 'Bad Axe,' which was shortlisted for an Oscar in 2022. John Cheng oversees development at 3AD, which operates under a first-look TV agreement with 20th Century Studios. The addition of 'School for Defectors' further enriches 3AD's growing portfolio of impactful nonfiction works.
This documentary serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the universal yearning for belonging. The involvement of influential figures like Daniel Dae Kim and his production company not only elevates the film's profile but also ensures that these crucial stories of hope and overcoming adversity reach a broader, more diverse audience. It highlights the importance of empathy and understanding across cultural and political divides, demonstrating how art can bridge gaps and foster a deeper appreciation for shared human experiences.
