Free Kwangju, May 1980 (1981)
This short documentary was created by painter Taeko Tomiyama—who consistently resisted various forms of injustice around the world through her art—and film director and producer Katsuhiro Maeda, who was inspired by her. The film centers on the Gwangju Uprising that occurred in South Korea in May 1980. The Gwangju Uprising saw the Chun Doo-hwan regime declare martial law and violently suppress student and citizen protests, resulting in many casualties. Tomiyama responded immediately to the tragedy by organizing a traveling exhibition featuring her print series Prayer for the Fallen. Moved by Tomiyama’s intense anger toward the dictatorship and her deep mourning for the victims, Maeda created this film in 1981. Combining news footage that documents the reality of the events with Tomiyama’s print works—unfolding like shadow play—the film powerfully conveys the nature of state violence and human sacrifice. The music was composed by pianist and composer Yuji Takahashi.
Cast
- Taeko Tomiyama - self
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Free Kwangju, May 1980 about?
- This short documentary was created by painter Taeko Tomiyama—who consistently resisted various forms of injustice around the world through her art—and film director and producer Katsuhiro Maeda, who was inspired by her. The film centers on the Gwangju Uprising that occurred in South Korea in May 1980. The Gwangju Uprising saw the Chun Doo-hwan regime declare martial law and violently suppress student and citizen protests, resulting in many casualties. Tomiyama responded immediately to the tragedy by organizing a traveling exhibition featuring her print series Prayer for the Fallen. Moved by Tomiyama’s intense anger toward the dictatorship and her deep mourning for the victims, Maeda created this film in 1981. Combining news footage that documents the reality of the events with Tomiyama’s print works—unfolding like shadow play—the film powerfully conveys the nature of state violence and human sacrifice. The music was composed by pianist and composer Yuji Takahashi.
- Who directed Free Kwangju, May 1980?
- Free Kwangju, May 1980 was directed by Katsuhiro Maeda.
- Who stars in Free Kwangju, May 1980?
- Free Kwangju, May 1980 stars Taeko Tomiyama.
- How long is Free Kwangju, May 1980?
- Free Kwangju, May 1980 has a runtime of 25m (25 minutes).
- Where was Free Kwangju, May 1980 produced?
- Free Kwangju, May 1980 was produced in Japan.