Resilience

Co-presented by the Center for Korean Studies. This documentary video is part of the 2011 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.

Wednesday, May 04, 2011
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
CGV Cinemas 1
621 S. Western Ave.

Growing up in a small town, Brent Beesley seemed to have had an idyllic childhood not unlike that of fictional television character Kevin Arnold. Oak lined street, everyone knew everyone, loving family, had good but mischievous friends that concocted rumors that he was related to Bruce Lee. Okay, maybe if “The Wonder Years” was about a Korean baby who was adopted by a family in South Dakota. Brent’s birth mother, Myungja, spent those years back in South Korea desperately looking for her son who was put up for adoption without her consent. Brent is now an adult with two daughters of his own. Myungja, herself, also has a young daughter. Brent had only a passing interest in learning more about his biological family until a heart condition of one of his daughters required he investigate his own medical records. His search proved fruitless until a Korean television show assisted him with reuniting with Myungja. After the surreal and dramatic reunion on national television the real challenge began for mother and son. We watch anxiously as they begin the process of getting to know each other. But despite 30 years of no contact, a language and cultural barrier, the bond between mother and son is undeniable. However, there is no Hollywood ending in this story. Only life. Their reunion is halted and interrupted several times and their resilience is constantly put to the test.

Resilience, by definition is the ability to return to original form or to recover from adversity. RESILIENCE, the film by Tammy Chu, an adoptee herself, is a convincing portrait of that very trait. It is seen in the relationship between Myungja and Brent. Their connection is undaunted regardless of the years and hardships. But mostly, we see it in Myungja. Her story arc is moving and inspiring, from teenage mom separated from her son to activist for adoption reform all the while raising a daughter and now re-establishing her relationship with Brent. Her saga is the most touching and her character inspiring and courageous. Chu has made a perceptive and affecting film about oversees adoption in Korea, but even beyond all those points, RESILIENCE stands as an overwhelming testament to the unceasing devotion of mother to child.

Video, 75 min., color, documentary

To purchase discounted tickets ($10), please use code CPKSC at Resilience - 2011 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.

For more information about this Film Festival, please follow the link below:
www.vconline.org/festival

Cost: General Admission: $12; Members, Seniors & Students: $10

Special Instructions

This event is open to the public.

For more information please contact

Robyn Shultz
Tel: 213-680-4462 Ext. 30
robyn@vconline.org
www.vconline.org

Sponsor(s): Visual Communications

Related Event(s)

Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival

As Southern California’s largest and most prestigious film festival of its kind, the LAAPFF launches the celebration of Asian Pacific Heritage Month through this year’s slate of 180 films from both Asian Pacific American and Asian international directors from 20 countries.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Time to be announced.
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