March 7, 2025 Songs of Love From Hawaii Movie Screening
THE CENTER FOR KOREAN STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAIʻI AT MĀNOA PRESENTS:
Songs of Love From Hawaiʻi Movie Screening
Date: Friday, March 7, 2025
Venue: Center for Korean Studies Auditorium
Songs of Love from Hawai‘i is a musical drama film that weaves together three poignant stories from the rich history of the Korean diaspora in Hawai‘i, blending historical narratives with soul-stirring musical performances. The film explores the fascinating journey of Korean immigration to Hawai‘i, the emotional life of Lim Ok Soon, a picture bride, and a heartfelt musical tribute to the souls laid to rest in Molokai’s Kalaupapa, a leper colony.
After premiering at the 43rd Hawai‘i International Film Festival and airing on PBS Hawai‘i, the film enjoyed a successful nationwide theatrical release in 2024. It is now expanding with the development of free online educational programs, designed to be accessible to educators and students worldwide.
After premiering at the 43rd Hawai‘i International Film Festival and airing on PBS Hawai‘i, the film enjoyed a successful nationwide theatrical release in 2024. It is now expanding with the development of free online educational programs, designed to be accessible to educators and students worldwide.
Jinyoung Lee is an award-winning journalist turned filmmaker who studied Journalism at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, Korea. After relocating to Hawai‘i in 2005, she worked as a journalist for over a decade, blending her expertise with her passion for cinema. In 2012, Jinyoung founded Now Production Films, a 501(c)(3) non-profit studio dedicated to creating impactful films that bridge cultures and benefit society. Her debut film, Words of Wisdom from the Rainbow State(2021), earned international acclaim for its exploration of the immigrant experience. Her latest work, Songs of Love from Hawai‘i (2024), explores Korean immigration history through music, featuring artists such as Richard Yongjae O'Neill and Chee-Yun. Officially selected for the 43rd Hawai‘i International Film Festival, the film aired on PBS Hawai‘i and is enjoying a successful nationwide theatrical release in Korea.
Center for Korean Studies events are free and open to all. For further information, including information regarding disability access, telephone the Center for Korean Studies at 808-956-7041. Organized by the Center for Korean Studies. The University of Hawai‘i is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution. This event is in part supported by the Academy of Korean Studies Strategic Research Institute Program (AKS-2020-SRI-2200001). The University of Hawai‘i is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution. This event is in part supported by the Timothy and Miriam Wee Memorial funds.
