In South Korea, the Sewol ferry disaster is associated with a “national trauma.” The emotional impact of the tragedy was heightened by the fact that so many of the victims were young school children. In 2019, the group created their first original play based on testimony they had gathered from school’s mothers. The Talent Show tells the story of a talent show the Danwon High students had been preparing before leaving for their school trip to Jeju. In the play, the children arrive safely on the island, and are able to put on the show. Through the play, the mothers are able to reconnect with their lost children and see them again in a new light.

Directed by Sohyun Lee

Presented in Korean with English subtitles.

The Talent Show is being screened in remembrance of the 10th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster. Screened at the Michigan Theater, the film is free and open to the public.

Details at the Michigan Theater website: https://michtheater.org/korean-cinema-now