2008 – 73 min – New York/Korea – Korean & English w/ English subtitles – color
NY Premiere
Distinctions
Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival 2009, Rhode Island International Film Festival 2009, San Diego Asian Film Festival 2009.
Synopsis
Jason never expected to look back at his complicated and hidden family history rooted in South Korea. Even though he had been adopted from Korea two decades earlier, Jason identified with being a true New Yorker. Having grown up in the liberal background of Greenwich Village to Jewish parents, Jason barely expressed any interest in his Korean heritage. He was perfectly fulfilled with the American life that had been chosen for him. But as he grew into a young adult, he inherently became more curious about his roots.
In the documentary GOING HOME, Jason finally summons up the courage to initiate contact with his birth mother, and during the search inadvertently discovers that neither his birth father nor older birth sister knows that he exists. Without knowing whether face-to-face meetings are even possible, Jason takes a risk and sets out on an epic journey halfway around the world with his Korean girlfriend, Mikyung by his side. Once in Seoul, Jason excitedly learns that his mother wishes to meet him. But when his mother suddenly falls ill on the day of their planned meeting, Jason’s short-lived optimism takes a discouraging turn.
Filled with deeply human moments of joy and pain, GOING HOME shares Jason’s intimate journey as he starts to realize what life could have been if he had not been adopted. In the face of adversity and complete upheaval of buried insecurities about his identity, Jason begins to discover a profound new meaning of family.
Director’s Bio
Jason Hoffmann is a young New York filmmaker and graduate of Emerson College for film production. Since he was six years old, Jason discovered his passion for filmmaking and has dedicated himself to harnessing this ability ever since. At the age of seven, Jason was editing linearly from one VCR to the next. In 2001, Jason won an award for his documentary REBUILDING GROUND ZERO. He is currently working at an entertainment company in Los Angeles.
Producer’s Bio
Mikyung Kim is a graduate of Emerson College with a B.F.A in Visual and Media Arts with a concentration on Film. She was born in Seoul, Korea and since has lived in Hong Kong and Boston. She is currently working at Partizan Entertainment in Los Angeles.
Trailer
