I shared the trailer for Andrew Ahn's Dol (First Birthday) back in May of 2012. Stupid me forgot to share the entire short film with my readers since its completion. We played the film as part of a queer short film event for the queer group in my department. If you don't shed a tear watching this film, you are heartless.
Some back story: Dol is the first birthday party for a Korean child. A bunch of objects are laid out in front of the child and the object he grabs will relate to their future fortunes and success. For example, thread means long life while money means wealth.
Some back story: Dol is the first birthday party for a Korean child. A bunch of objects are laid out in front of the child and the object he grabs will relate to their future fortunes and success. For example, thread means long life while money means wealth.
While we used the film as a talking piece for differences that arise when coming out in different cultures, I actually think Dol's strength lies in its universality. Through this short film, we are able to sympathize with Ahn's loneliness and his desire to be accepted by those he loves most.
What is especially powerful about this short is how Ahn used it as a vehicle to come out to his family. I couldn't help wondering if this would be a recording of their last joyful family celebration before the 'big news', or if Ahn's coming out would be accepted by his family. I hope Ahn's father's reacts to the news in the same way he reacted to the baby's choice. It doesn't really matter, right?