THE LOVERS AND THE DESPOT Feature Documentary

East Coast Premiere

This stranger-than-fiction tale chronicles the story of South Korean director Shin Sang-ok and his ex-wife, actress Choi Eun-hee. At the height of her fame, Choi was kidnapped by North Korean agents. While searching for her, Shin was also kidnapped. The nefarious plan had been hatched as an effort to professionalize North Korea’s film industry, and the couple were declared dictator Kim Jong-il’s personal filmmakers, producing 17 features before planning a daring escape. — Tom Vick