Gather 'round, good people. It's time to meet the Angry Reader of the Week, spotlighting you, the very special readers of this website. Over the years, I've been able to connect with a lot of cool folks, and this is a way of showing some appreciation and attention to the people who help make this blog what it is. This week's Angry Reader is filmmaker Iris K. Shim.
Who are you?
Iris K. Shim, although I was born Kyungmi Shim. When it was time for me to get my citizenship at age 19 I was sick and tired of people a) butchering the pronunciation of my name, b) never remembering my name and just calling me "hey...YOU!" and c) sometimes speaking to me very slowly in a loud voice, commenting on how good my English was. I decided that I would acquire an English name. I was really excited to finally have a name that was easy to pronounce and remember, until I went to get my new drivers license and the lady at the DMV called me "Irish". It was a day of mixed emotions.
What are you?
Filmmaker and sometimes baker.
Where are you?
New York City in Harlem. Currently getting my MFA in Film at Columbia University.
Where are you from?
Chi-town! The best city in America, hands down. Italian Beef, anyone?
What do you do?
I recently finished a documentary film, The House of Suh, which tells the story of Andrew Suh and his sister Catherine, and how the values, conflicts, and dysfunctions of their Korean immigrant family led to the murder of Catherine's fiance, Robert O'Dubaine. Eloquently narrated by Andrew, the documentary highlights issues of assimilation and the struggle between freedom and responsibility, raising questions about guilt, innocence, and the illusive gray area in-between.
After a long 5 year journey, we are beyond excited to be having the national broadcast premiere of the film on MSNBC Films this Sunday July 17th at 10pm EST! It's a shortened version of the theatrical cut, edited down to an hour long television slot, so be sure to stay tuned for the full version to come out on VOD and DVD.
What are you all about?
I believe in the power of storytelling and its ability to shape the way we see the world. I'd like to focus on telling stories that broaden our understanding of people and their experiences.
What makes you angry?
A false sense of entitlement. Ignorance. Disregard for the common good for personal gain. Passive-aggressiveness. Soggy fries.
