2022 documentary Beyond Utopia, about families attempting to escape North Korea, in Pittsburgh October 23 and 24.

The 2022 documentary Beyond Utopia will play in Pittsburgh on October 23 and 24. A summary, from the Sundance Film Festival where the documentary made its premiere earlier this year:

A suspenseful look at the lengths people will go to gain freedom, Beyond Utopia follows various individuals as they attempt to flee North Korea, one of the most oppressive places on Earth, a land they grew up believing was a paradise. At the film’s core are a mother desperate to reunite with the child she was forced to leave behind, a family of five — including small children and an elderly grandmother — embarking on a treacherous journey across the Yalu River and into the hostile mountains of China, and a man of God on a mission to help these desperate souls. Leaving their homeland is fraught with danger — severe punishment if caught and possibly even execution — as well as potential exploitation by unscrupulous brokers. Family members who remain behind also may face retribution. Yet these individuals are driven to take the risk.

Gripping, visceral, and urgent, Madeleine Gavin’s film embeds the viewer with these family members as they attempt their perilous escape, palpably conveying life-or-death stakes. The result is a singular, illuminating, and unforgettable experience.

It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront, the AMC Classic in Greensburg, and the Cinemark theaters in Monroeville and Robinson, and tickets are available online.

2022 documentary Beyond Utopia, about families attempting to escape North Korea, in Pittsburgh October 23 and 24.

The 2022 documentary Beyond Utopia will play in Pittsburgh on October 23 and 24. A summary, from the Sundance Film Festival where the documentary made its premiere earlier this year:

A suspenseful look at the lengths people will go to gain freedom, Beyond Utopia follows various individuals as they attempt to flee North Korea, one of the most oppressive places on Earth, a land they grew up believing was a paradise. At the film’s core are a mother desperate to reunite with the child she was forced to leave behind, a family of five — including small children and an elderly grandmother — embarking on a treacherous journey across the Yalu River and into the hostile mountains of China, and a man of God on a mission to help these desperate souls. Leaving their homeland is fraught with danger — severe punishment if caught and possibly even execution — as well as potential exploitation by unscrupulous brokers. Family members who remain behind also may face retribution. Yet these individuals are driven to take the risk.

Gripping, visceral, and urgent, Madeleine Gavin’s film embeds the viewer with these family members as they attempt their perilous escape, palpably conveying life-or-death stakes. The result is a singular, illuminating, and unforgettable experience.

It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront, the AMC Classic in Greensburg, and the Cinemark theaters in Monroeville and Robinson, and tickets are available online.

"Heroes and Toilers: Work and Life in Postwar North Korea, 1953-1961," November 5 at Pitt.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center will present Cheehyung Harrison Kim and his talk "Heroes and Toilers: Work and Life in Postwar North Korea, 1953-1961" on November 5.

DR. CHEEHYUNG HARRISON KIM offers an analysis of postwar North Korea that avoids the pitfalls of exoticism and exceptionalism to offer a new answer to the fundamental question of North Korea’s historical development.
In search of national unity and bureaucratic order in the decade following the Korean War, the North Korean state turned to labor. Even more than coercion or violence, work was crucial to state control. Industrial labor was both mode of production and mode of governance, characterized by repetitive work, mass mobilization, labor heroes, and the insistence on convergence between living and working. At the same time, workers challenged and reconfigured state power to accommodate their circumstances—coming late to work, switching jobs, and fighting with bosses, as well as following approved paths to secure their livelihood, resolve conflict, and find happiness.

The online event starts at 5:00 pm on Zoom and is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

The Korean Peninsula and the U.S. Commitment to the Region, September 30 with World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh.

The World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh will host "The Korean Peninsula and the U.S. Commitment to the Region" online on September 30.

Is North Korea the nation posing the greatest threat to the U.S.? Why do we need to pay attention to what’s happening in the Korean Peninsula? Amidst COVID-19 and its fallout, policymakers are confronted with newly emergent issues alongside pre-existing ones. As the pandemic spreads, US-North Korea talks remain stalled, inter-Korean relations persist as mostly one-sided, and North Korea has continued to test and refine its military capabilities as well as ratchet up its rhetoric, and COVID-19 has intensified a growing US-China strategic competition. From a decades-old military alliance to deep economic ties and a large and vibrant Korean-American community, the linkages between the United States and the Korean Peninsula remain as important as ever.

The Stimson Center and Stimson’s 38 North program, working with the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, presents a dialogue to discuss the importance of the US commitment to the Korean Peninsula. Speakers include: (Ret.) Walter Sharp, former Commander, US Forces Korea (2008-2011) and former President of the Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA), Jenny Town, Stimson Fellow & Deputy Director of Stimson’s 38 North, and moderated by Clint Work, Stimson Fellow & Security for a New Century & 38 North.

The talk runs from 2:00 to 3:00 pm online and is free and open to the public. Registration can be completed online.

The Korean Peninsula and the U.S. Commitment to the Region, September 30 with World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh.

The World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh will host "The Korean Peninsula and the U.S. Commitment to the Region" online on September 30.

Is North Korea the nation posing the greatest threat to the U.S.? Why do we need to pay attention to what’s happening in the Korean Peninsula? Amidst COVID-19 and its fallout, policymakers are confronted with newly emergent issues alongside pre-existing ones. As the pandemic spreads, US-North Korea talks remain stalled, inter-Korean relations persist as mostly one-sided, and North Korea has continued to test and refine its military capabilities as well as ratchet up its rhetoric, and COVID-19 has intensified a growing US-China strategic competition. From a decades-old military alliance to deep economic ties and a large and vibrant Korean-American community, the linkages between the United States and the Korean Peninsula remain as important as ever.

The Stimson Center and Stimson’s 38 North program, working with the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, presents a dialogue to discuss the importance of the US commitment to the Korean Peninsula. Speakers include: (Ret.) Walter Sharp, former Commander, US Forces Korea (2008-2011) and former President of the Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA), Jenny Town, Stimson Fellow & Deputy Director of Stimson’s 38 North, and moderated by Clint Work, Stimson Fellow & Security for a New Century & 38 North.

The talk runs from 2:00 to 3:00 pm online and is free and open to the public. Registration can be completed online.

Soon-Mi Yoo's Songs from the North (북녘에서 온 노래) online with Pitt's Asian Studies Center, July 22.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center will present the 2014 Soon-Mi Yoo documentary Songs from the North (북녘에서 온 노래) on July 22, as the second installment of its online Summer Screenshots: Hot Nights And Cold War series. (Please note the date change from the original announcement.) From a New York Times review:

More art-video installation than typical documentary, “Songs From the North” is mostly nonnarrative, drawing on North Korean film and TV clips to sketch a sensibility that — however stoked by propaganda — prizes family above all and melds that with a zealous commitment to the fatherland. Song and music invoke shared ideals of sacrifice, honor and patriotism; one televised event that features a young boy crying as he sings of his love of country — as an audience of dignitaries also sobs — is moving and disturbing.

. . .

Scattering history lessons and ambiguous imagery amid Ms. Yoo’s engagement with North Koreans, her film implicitly asks: What must they think of us?

The presentation runs from 4:00 to 7:00 pm and registration is required.

July Book Club: See You Again in Pyongyang by Travis Jeppesen with Maridon Museum, July 30.

Butler County's Maridon Museum will read and discuss See You Again in Pyongyang by Travis Jeppesen in its July Book Club meeting on July 30. From a 2018 Los Angeles Times review:

What makes “See You Again in Pyongyang” worth reading is the tension between the bold explorer and the impenetrable country, the feeling of frustration in the face of lies and exclusion and petrified resistance. Jeppesen may get as deep as Pyongyang will allow, at least to an American. That might not make him an expert, but it gives him more cred than most of us: he went, and chances are, we never will.

The meetings will be held in person from 3:00 to 4:00 pm but will also have a Zoom component for people not comfortable gathering at this time. Those interested in registering should call 724-282-0123 or email info@maridon.org. The Maridon Museum is an Asian art museum in Butler County that holds frequent movie screenings, classes, and book club meetings, in addition to the art exhibitions that take place when there isn't a pandemic.

Soon-Mi Yoo's Songs from the North (북녘에서 온 노래) online with Pitt's Asian Studies Center, July 27.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center will present the 2014 Soon-Mi Yoo documentary Songs from the North (북녘에서 온 노래) on July 27, as the second installment of its online Summer Screenshots: Hot Nights And Cold War series. From a New York Times review:

More art-video installation than typical documentary, “Songs From the North” is mostly nonnarrative, drawing on North Korean film and TV clips to sketch a sensibility that — however stoked by propaganda — prizes family above all and melds that with a zealous commitment to the fatherland. Song and music invoke shared ideals of sacrifice, honor and patriotism; one televised event that features a young boy crying as he sings of his love of country — as an audience of dignitaries also sobs — is moving and disturbing.

. . .

Scattering history lessons and ambiguous imagery amid Ms. Yoo’s engagement with North Koreans, her film implicitly asks: What must they think of us?

The presentation runs from 4:00 to 7:00 pm; registration will be required, though the registration link does not yet show the July installment.

1985 North Korean monster film Pulgasari (불가사리) with Pitt's Online:Screenshot, April 10.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center and Screenshot: Asia festival will present an online screening of the North Korean monster film Pulgasari (불가사리) on April 10.

Pulgasari (1985) is a North Korean dark fantasy film about a selfish king’s attempt to foil the working class’ plan to overthrow him from power. Built by a blacksmith, the tiny Pulgasari only becomes alive and grows after eating the blacksmith daughter’s blood and an assortment of tools. The monster soon earns a vital role in the battle between the working class and the king and his royal army. For those looking for something to do during this time of social distancing, SCREENSHOT: ASIA will be offering a free online screening of Pulgasari with an introduction by Pitt professor Mark Best.

Please join us on Friday, April 10th at 3 PM on Zoom (online). To register, please visit https://pitt.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LZ4s6anrSjW53dN3udXOLg.

Screenshot: Asia is a forthcoming Asian film festival scheduled in Pittsburgh for Fall 2020.

1985 North Korean monster film Pulgasari (불가사리) with Pitt's Online:Screenshot, April 10.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center and Screenshot: Asia festival will present an online screening of the North Korean monster film Pulgasari (불가사리) on April 10.

Pulgasari (1985) is a North Korean dark fantasy film about a selfish king’s attempt to foil the working class’ plan to overthrow him from power. Built by a blacksmith, the tiny Pulgasari only becomes alive and grows after eating the blacksmith daughter’s blood and an assortment of tools. The monster soon earns a vital role in the battle between the working class and the king and his royal army. For those looking for something to do during this time of social distancing, SCREENSHOT: ASIA will be offering a free online screening of Pulgasari with an introduction by Pitt professor Mark Best.

Please join us on Friday, April 10th at 3 PM on Zoom (online). To register, please visit https://pitt.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LZ4s6anrSjW53dN3udXOLg.

Screenshot: Asia is a forthcoming Asian film festival scheduled in Pittsburgh for Fall 2020.

Cancelled: "The Future of U.S. Policy on North Korea" with Frank Aum, March 23.

The World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh event "The Future of U.S. Policy on North Korea" with host Frank Aum scheduled for March 23 has been cancelled.

"The Future of U.S. Policy on North Korea" with Frank Aum, March 23.

The World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh will host Frank Aum and a discussion on "The Future of U.S. Policy on North Korea" on March 23.

Join us for a luncheon discussion on Monday, March 23rd for “The Future of U.S. Policy on North Korea” featuring Frank Aum, Senior Expert on North Korea, U.S. Institute of Peace.

After the collapse of U.S.-DPRK negotiations, it appears likely that relations between the two countries will take a downward turn and tensions will heighten on the Korean Peninsula. With North Korea unlikely to give up its nuclear weapons in the near-term and the U.S. insistence on maintaining a rigid sanctions regime against North Korea, what are the prospects for peace and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula?

It runs from 12:00 to 1:30 pm at the Rivers Club downtown (map). Tickets range from $25 to $45 and are available online.

2018 film Swing Kids (스윙키즈) at Pitt, September 30.

The University of Pittsburgh chapter of Liberty in North Korea and the Pitt Korean Student Association will present the 2018 Korean musical film Swing Kids (스윙키즈) on September 30.

Come join KSA and LiNK as we watch Swing Kids, a Korean musical drama film that focuses on a North Korean soldier (Rho Ki-Soo) and his fight for freedom. The theme will be SAUNA NIGHT - we'll be selling face masks and giving massages by the one and only, Phillip Lok, as well as cookies and drinks. BRING YOUR OWN RAMEN - we'll be supplying hot water.

It runs from 9:00 to 11:00 pm in 203 Lawrence Hall (map).

North Korea Beyond Politics, March 8 at Pitt.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center will host its final panel session of this North Korean series on Friday, March 8.

Tickets now available for "Yeonmi Park: A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom," March 20 at Kelly Strayhorn Theater.

North Korean defector, author, and activist Yeonmi Park will speak at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty on March 20. Tickets are now available at $25 for students and military, $40 for general admission, and $85 for VIP.

North Korea and International Relations Panel, March 1 at Pitt.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center will hold its next North Korea in Transition panel on March 1.

Join us for the first panel of the North Korea in Transition speaker series! This panel will focus on international relations, with discussion on North Korea's relationships with Japan, South Korea, China, the U.S., and East Asia as a whole. The goal of this panel is to develop a deeper understanding of the complex relations that have governed North Korea's interactions with the world not only by discussing politics, but by reaching beyond for a holistic perspective.

. . .

This panel will also attempt to build off of the Trump-Kim summit, being held just days before our event. Be sure to join us for this timely discussion!

Panelists are Weston Konishi of the US-Japan Council; Professor William Brown of Georgetown University and the Korea Economic Institute of America; and Lisa Collins, Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic & International Studies. The panel runs from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in 548 William Pitt Union (map) and is free and open to the public.

"North Korea in Transition" opening lecture, February 22 at Pitt.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center will host Scott Snyder and his talk "North Korea in Transition" on February 22.

Yeonmi Park: A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom, March 20 at Kelly Strayhorn Theater.

North Korean defector, author, and activist Yeonmi Park will speak at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty on March 20. Registration information is not yet available.

The Journey of a North Korean Refugee, October 16 at Pitt.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Students Alliance and Liberty in North Korea chapter will present "The Journey of a North Korean Refugee" on Tuesday, October 16.

University of Pittsburgh: International Week 10/13-10/20 - The Asian Students Alliance and Pitt Liberty in North Korea will be presenting a guided audio-visual tour through the life of a North Korean refugee in three parts: oppression in North Korea, escape, and life after. Every year, thousands of North Koreans risk their lives to escape political and economic oppression. We hope that through this event you can catch a glimpse of the 3000 mile journey that these North Korean refugees undergo.

It runs from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm in the William Pitt Union's Lower Lounge (map).

He Xiangyu part of "River Separates Water" exhibition at Wood Street Galleries, July 6 through August 26.

Chinese artist He Xiangyu will be one of three artists whose work comprises a "River Separates Water" exhibition at the Wood Street Galleries downtown from July 6 through August 26. He's 2017 film The Swim documents his attempt to swim across the Yalu River from China to North Korea. From a February Elephant profile:

What gave him the idea for The Swim? “I married my wife in 2012,” he says, “and we moved from Beijing to Pittsburgh. When I revisited my hometown (Kuandian) for the first time in two years, I asked my parents what was going on, what the people were doing, and I got a very strange, distant feeling like I didn’t know it anymore. I had been creating a series of drawings called the Palate Project in America and I was interested in the feeling of being in a foreign place and also more general feelings of the body. After I got that strange feeling at home I wanted to explore what was going on here in a very personal, physical way, in touch with the elements of the town: the water. That river is very familiar to me from childhood. Though as a child I wasn’t quite aware of the North Koreans, my parents are doctors and know the local people, as well as some of the defectors. Most of them weren’t happy to talk about their experience because they are trying to remain hidden. But my parents helped me get in touch.”

The gallery is open four days a week at 601 Wood Street downtown (map).