““Through this young boy’s eyes we witness the worst and the best of humanity. Proving once again that the medium can do more than children’s content, the animation here helps the subject matter leave a strong emotional mark and enables the filmmaker to access an unseen reality.””
A Boy’s Search for Meaning
"True North" (2021, Japan/Indonesia) unfolds the harrowing tale of a family ensnared within the relentless clutches of a merciless North Korean political prison camp. This feature-length animated film, grounded in comprehensive research and heartfelt interviews with former political prisoners who escaped to South Korea, paints a poignant picture of the real-life ordeal endured by individuals subjected to unimaginable human rights abuses.
Center stage in the narrative is Yohan, a nine-year-old boy from Pyongyang, unjustly condemned for a crime attributed to his father. We witness the erosion of Yohan's childlike innocence and inherent faith in humanity, as he navigates the stark realities of survival within the ruthless confines of the camp.
In a world that negates your very humanity, can you still uphold the virtues of compassion and empathy towards others? Follow Yohan's decade-long transformative journey of physical endurance and spiritual resilience within the camp to discover the answer.
Garnering a wealth of accolades from prestigious film festivals worldwide, "True North" (2021, Japan/Indonesia) continues to captivate audiences in the streaming realm across Asia. Following a successful long theatrical run during the height of the pandemic, "True North" has emerged as one of the most popular animated films on both Netflix and Amazon Prime in Japan. Discover more at https://true-north.jp.
Its distinguished recognitions include:
Official Selection: Annecy International Animation Film Festival
Special Distinction Prize: Bucheon International Animation Film Festival
Winner - Feature Animation: Nashville Film Festival
Official Selection: Raindance Film Festival
Jury Special Mention: Warsaw Film Festival
Official Selection: Tokyo International Film Festival
Official Selection: Tokyo Anime Award Festival
Honorary Mention: PRIX ARS ELECTRONICA
... and many more. Through its powerful storytelling, "True North" continues to spark important dialogues and inspire audiences worldwide.
““A rare glimpse inside a North Korean prison camp. This tale is for anyone interested in learning more about one of the world’s most blatant crimes against humanity.””
animated film that matters
Amnesty International reports that over 120,000 innocent individuals, encompassing all ages, are currently imprisoned in North Korean political prison camps. These so-called enemies of the state and party endure horrific conditions, including starvation, forced labor, torture, and public execution.
The North Korean government cruelly implements the "3 generations of punishment" policy — where not only the accused suffer but also their preceding and succeeding generations. This ruthless mandate effectively silences potential dissidents and activists, who are unable to protest or critique without risking the lives of their loved ones. Outside of North Korea, the international community, despite decades of diplomatic, economic, and military efforts, has yet to successfully intervene in this gross violation of human rights.
"True North" seeks to alter this seemingly indomitable status quo, shifting the discourse from nuclear threats to an urgent call for humanity. The film resonates with a global audience, evoking a profound emotional response and urging each viewer to take on a personal role in defending those unseen, voiceless, yet deeply relatable individuals concealed behind the prison walls.
““TRUE NORTH will make you righteously angry, but it also manages to leave you with some sense of hope.””
For Eiji Han Shimizu, the creative force behind "True North", the atrocities of North Korea's political prisons are more than just stories — they're personal. An ethnic Korean born in Japan, Shimizu's childhood was permeated with the harrowing tales of Korean-Japanese families who migrated to North Korea in the 60s and 70s, many of whom vanished due to relentless political purges. Some of these lost souls were friends of his family.
Prior to "True North", Shimizu lent his talents to "HAPPY" (2011, USA), a multi-award-winning documentary exploring the concept of happiness. He has also penned a series of graphic novels spotlighting the lives of iconic human rights advocates such as the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, and Mahatma Gandhi, published by Penguin Books. Shimizu's significant contributions to social discourse were recognized in 2017 when he became a TED Resident.
To delve deeper into his vision for "True North", watch Shimizu's enlightening TED talk at https://bit.ly/32dISNW.