[2020 Academy] Director Lee Seung-jun of 'Memory of Absence' Accompanies Sewol Ferry Victims' Families to the Academy

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jonggil Lee] Director Lee Seung-jun (49), who directed the documentary "Absent Memory" about the Sewol Ferry disaster, walked the red carpet at the Academy Awards ceremony alongside the Sewol Ferry victims' families. This film became the first Korean work to be nominated for the Academy Award in the Best Documentary Short Subject category.

On the 9th (local time), Director Lee attended the 92nd Academy Awards ceremony held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California, USA, accompanied by two mothers of Danwon High School students. The accompanying Sewol Ferry victims' families were Oh Hyun-joo, mother of Danwon High student Jang Jun-hyung, and Kim Mina, mother of Kim Geon-woo. Both traveled to the United States at their own expense. On that day, they stood before the cameras wearing name tags of the students who lost their lives in the Sewol Ferry disaster around their necks.

In an interview with the press the day before, Director Lee emphasized, "It seemed very meaningful that the victims' families could join, so without anyone taking the lead, we planned the trip together," adding, "The mothers voluntarily stepped forward and are going through hardships." He stated, "By meeting many people in Hollywood and holding screenings, we were able to raise awareness about the Sewol Ferry disaster. That alone feels meaningful." Regarding the possibility of winning the award, he said, "Honestly, I do not expect to win."

"Absent Memory" is a 29-minute documentary. It lists on-site footage and call records from the time of the Sewol Ferry disaster, questioning the absence of the state. It proves that the tragedy occurred due to inadequate rescue efforts and states, "On that day, in that sea, the country we believed in was not there."

Director Lee made this film together with the Sewol Ferry Bereaved Families Association. When the film was nominated for the Academy Award, he said, "The bereaved families asked to spread the film widely around the world, and by becoming a nominee, we were able to keep that promise."

"Absent Memory" was previously introduced at the 31st Amsterdam International Documentary Film Festival and the 16th EBS International Documentary Film Festival. In November 2018, it won an award at the New York Documentary Film Festival, qualifying it for submission to the Academy Awards.

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