A group of women go from difficult pasts to filmmaking
At a house in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, a grandmother served boiled shellfish to her granddaughter. "I like my grandmother, because she has brought me up since I was an infant. In my childhood, I was unhappy because I couldn’t eat freely due to my uncles [eating first]. Now, I can eat all I want alone," said a woman, 28, whose nickname is Panda. Wing, a shelter for victims of sexual trafficking, introduced 10 short films at the 2006 Film Festival for Woman Rights held at Artsonje Center on September 21. The documentaries were shot and edited by seven women from the shelter. In a 12-week session, they learned how to use cameras and how to edit their footage. The purpose was to have the women express their thoughts through their own language. Whenever the 200-some audience members applauded their work, the women’s pride grew stronger, as well. "After watching the festival last year, I decided to participate in this year’s event," Panda said. Panda visited her hometown and made a film titled "Grandmother and Shellfish.""Originally, I wanted to take photos of grandmothers at a small station, or those whose heart was broken after losing their land at Daechuri, Pyeongtaek. However, I came to make a movie about my grandmother in the end," Panda said. Panda has a strong passion for learning, having already obtained a license to be an interior designer. Now she is studying to get a license to be a dermatologist’s assistant. She is extremely busy, but cannot bear giving up filmmaking because of people who rely upon her for help with their filmmaking. "Bomul No. 1" (No. 1 Treasure), 22, finished the photo course last year. She made up her mind to be a professional editor. She submitted movies to the festival for two consecutive years, this year entering three jointly-produced films. She helped other women make their movies, as well. Bomul No.1 said, "As I drink too much coffee, my hands shake, and that’s a problem" for filmmaking. However, she has made a number of works, including a film for the opening ceremony of Jongi Hak (paper crane), a center for women’s rights, and she also was requested to do editing of a movie for the 20th anniversary of "Hansorihoi" in October. "I feel satisfaction and happiness when my films are cut the way I want them to be. I am really glad when people say my ability has improved," she said. These women vow to keep on making films. For more information, their Internet site is www.w-ing.or.kr.
