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1997(1st) ~ 2024(28th)
Family Fanta
Jason HOFFMANN
USA / Korea2009 73 min HD C World Premiere
International adoption is an uncomfortable subject for Koreans. The very existence of those children sent overseas, instead of being given a home in their own motherland, reminds us of the failed co-responsibility. Even thinking about the kinds of identity crisis the babies may have experienced while growing up, and the possible discrimination against them within their adopted country, amplifies that guilt. In Going Home, however, a Korean-born adoptee Jason is on his way to Korea to find his birth parents, and his feet are lighter than we’ve dreaded. The cheerful 21-yearl-old raised by loving adoptive parents considers his search “the most exciting adventure” in his life. He doesn’t blame, or inquire even as to why he was put up for adoption in the first place. In his reunion with his birth mother during his second visit to Korea, you don’t see any dramatic gestures of reconciliation or forgiveness. Instead, each party confirms each other: the mother blames herself for her decision, and the son simply sobs. Unable to communicate in the same language, Jason is assisted by a translator to find out his real birth date and name, and the existence of a sister. The film views all the events as part of the bigger picture which must be experienced in order to make his life whole. (OAK Mina)
Young New York filmmaker, graduate of Emerson College for film production. In 2001, Jason won an award for his documentary Rebuilding Ground Zero. He is currently working at an entertainment company in Los Angeles.