Meet Hyo Kim | Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hyo Kim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hyo, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“Man’s task is to become conscious of the contents that press upward from the unconscious,”

The realm of consciousness is limited by the fleeting nature of vision, whereas the realm of the unconscious is infinite and continuous. Carl Jung said,

While we are alive, everything moves and changes. We are constantly moving across the divide between consciousness and the unconscious, between disconnection and connection.

What does it mean to be human, and what is the essence of existing as one? I have always sought answers to these questions. The reasons for our birth, the existence of pain and love—these are themes that art has always explored.

There is a poignant beauty in questioning what it means for us to briefly inhabit this world, how difficult it is to remain human, and what we are made of. These are the stories I want to tell.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a Directing Fellow at the American Film Institute, I am on a journey of self-discovery and artistic growth—a path I am dedicated to pursuing throughout my career as a filmmaker.

My work delves into the complexities of human relationships and the intricacies of life, focusing on narratives that provoke thought and explore universal themes of humanity.

What distinguishes my approach is my ability to draw from a diverse range of influences. With a background in experimental filmmaking, photography, and digital media, coupled with a global perspective, I am passionate about directing films that examine the paradoxes of human nature while creating visually striking and immersive worlds.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Honestly, it’s my apartment rooftop. Since starting at AFI, I’ve been so busy that I haven’t had much time to explore Los Angeles.

From the rooftop, I can see the Hollywood sign, along with the Netflix building and other major studio buildings.

When I’m feeling tired or lonely, I go up to the rooftop and look at the city lights. It makes me think, *Wow, I’m really here in Hollywood. I’m actually doing what I’ve always wanted to do.* Somehow, it’s strangely comforting.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family, especially my mother, played a significant role in shaping who I am today. Growing up, TV and computer usage were strictly limited in our household. However, there was one exception: VHS tapes of foreign films, which my parents encouraged as a way to improve my English. My mother, ever resourceful, taped a folded strip of paper over the bottom of the screen to block the subtitles—a clever technique that forced me to rely on the visuals and context to understand the story. Even when I could only guess much of the plot by watching the scenes, I was utterly captivated by the magic of cinema. Later, as I grew fluent enough to understand every line, I remained fascinated by how much of a story could be conveyed beyond words alone.

Looking back, I am deeply grateful for the way my mother raised my sister and me. Her encouragement to use our imagination and immerse ourselves in reading enriched our childhood and left a lasting impact on the person I am today.

Website: https://hyowonkim.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/is.hhyo

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hyowonkimart