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

Hi Minkyu, why did you pursue a creative career?
When I was young, I wanted to be a doctor. Doctors giving hope to sick people looked so cool to me. However, as I grew up, I learned that there would be an end to the journey in life. No one lives forever. I thought doctors might sacrifice them for a battle they could never win. I looked for something to give people joy and hope in a way other than being a doctor, and then I started making films.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have made over twenty short films over the years. I write, direct, and edit myself. Some films have disappeared, while others have been screened at film festivals and museums. Recently, a short film I made won the Grand Prize at DGA.

I love stories that ask questions about humanity. I want to ask questions and share my thoughts on whether we live in the right direction as human beings. To do so, we need a correct understanding and introspection on essential issues that become social issues—reconciling these elements and finding the correct stories and questions come to me as the biggest challenge.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I had the opportunity to travel to Italy before Covid hit the world. At that time, I toured the famous museums of Italy from the south to the north for about a week. I want to share with my dear friend the pinnacle of beauty that man can create. It would be nice to see a beautiful view, but it may be something we can never make. However, the museum contains great human efforts, successes, and prayers. That’s why I want to be sure to share that experience first.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I recently graduated from Columbia Graduate School’s Film MFA program. Eric Mendelsohn, my thesis professor, has significantly influenced my film directing and writing. I’ve seen and enjoyed countless great movies, but the process of making a film is very different and challenging than watching it. Eric kindly taught me a lot of knowledge I needed as a film director, which helped me a lot in making films. Eric, who always gives me courage with his humor, is my biggest mentor who helped me continue with the film.

Website: https://www.mkkfilms.com/

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