CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED DOCUMENTARY “I AM SUN MU”
RELEASES ON VIDEO ON DEMAND TODAY
North Korean Political Pop Artist and Defector
Boldly Risks All For a Unified Korea, One Canvas at Time
“I Am Sun Mu” Now Available on iTunes, Amazon Video, and More
Official Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Los Angeles, CA (August 17, 2016) – It was announced today that leading factual distributor Journeyman Pictures has picked up Required Reading’s critically acclaimed feature documentary “I Am Sun Mu” for worldwide distribution across Video on Demand (VOD), broadcast, and theatrical. “I Am Sun Mu” begins its rollout today on iTunes, Amazon Video, Google Play, YouTube, Microsoft Xbox, and Sony Playstation.
“I Am Sun Mu” is directed by humanitarian filmmaker Adam Sjöberg (“Shake the Dust”), who produced the film alongside Justin Wheeler (Vice President, Liberty in North Korea), with Mariano Blanco serving as co-producer. The film is executive produced by Required Reading, the production partnership between Sjöberg, and filmmakers Seanne Winslow and David Jacobson, who are known for their work as producers on hits such as “The Lego Movie” and “Lee Daniels’ The Butler,” respectively.
“I Am Sun Mu” tells the provocative story of the former North Korean propaganda artist who operates under a pseudonym, “Sun Mu,” which means ‘no boundaries.’ After defecting to the South, Sun Mu uses his talent to subvert the propaganda style of North Korean art, poke fun at the Supreme leader, and paint images of reconciliation.
His political pop art is based on his life, homeland, and hope for a united Korea. A tense narrative coupled with powerful imagery defines this unique and gripping documentary. When Sun Mu is offered a high profile solo exhibition in China, his hidden identity is nearly compromised when the exhibit in Beijing is threatened by Chinese and North Korean authorities.
“The North Korea we read about is so often seen as either sinister or absurd. But as a person and an artist, Sun Mu exemplifies the very real, lasting impact of the unending war between the two countries: it is at once frightening and heart-breaking,” said director Adam Sjöberg. “It was such an honor to partner with Sun Mu in creating a film that seeks to fly in the face of everything Kim Jung Un would want his people to believe: self-expression is inevitable and a freedom in itself.”
Required Reading partnered with the premier non-profit organization, Liberty in North Korea (LiNK), throughout the project. LiNK works directly with North Korean defectors, aiding in their escape and resettlement.
“Liberty in North Korea has known Sun Mu for years both as fans of his work and as a partner to him as a defector,” Justin Wheeler, the organization’s VP said. “We knew his story deserved to be told and were excited to have our friend Adam Sjöberg jump on board to direct.”
The majority of proceeds from the film will go directly back to helping North Koreans like Sun Mu.
Official Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Additional documentary stills and art by Sun Mu are available for use here.
For more information on “I Am Sun Mu,” please visit www.iamsunmu.com.
About Required Reading
Required Reading is a film financing and production company founded by David Jacobson, Adam Sjoberg, and Seanne Winslow — three experienced filmmakers from the studio, independent, and international media worlds who believe that the key to making great content is to invest in talented people. Their mission is to empower creatives to tell stories that embody truth and appeal to a global audience.
About Liberty in North Korea
Liberty in North Korea is a global movement of people that believe in and work alongside the North Korean people to accelerate change. Their efforts are focused in three key areas: Working with Refugees, Changing the Narrative, and Research & Strategy.
Utilizing a modern-day underground railroad through China and Southeast Asia, LiNK rescues refugees and helps them to reach freedom. LiNK’s global grassroots movement works to redefine public perception on North Korea, shifting attention away from the politics and onto the people, and provides a way for concerned citizens to come alongside the North Korean people and help bring about positive change. LiNK also works to develop people-focused strategies that will have the potential to promote change inside North Korea in the long term.
For more information about LiNK, please visit: www.libertyinnorthkorea.org
About Journeyman Pictures
For over twenty years, Journeyman has distributed and co-produced, provocative, profound and original factual content, working with the top players in the industry.
They are one of the leading independent suppliers of award-winning stories to the world broadcast market and pride themselves on a position at the spearhead of the factual agenda. With a very successful catalogue covering a myriad of subjects and styles; commercial, current affairs, and feature docs, they always keep at heart a central journalistic ethic that goes to the very roots of the company.
After years reporting from dangerous war zones across the world, company founder Mark Stucke began formulating a unique distribution system that would bring a greater return for the valuable copyright he and fellow producers were risking their necks to create.
Twenty years on their agenda remains the same: to always be looking for new ways to create revenue for the stories their partners tell – and that’s no easy task in a world in which serious factual content is rapidly disappearing from mainstream outlets.
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