Nun opposes four-rivers project via indie film

Venerable Jiyul, a Buddhist nun, speaks about her documentary at a press screening on Monday. Provided Cinema Dal
This project born out of love, compassion and mostly sorrow is a peaceful retaliation of sorts against the government’s four-rivers restoration project, which began 2009.
But don’t get her wrong, it was never “supposed to be an answer,” said Jiyul. “At first, making a movie wasn’t the plan,” the respected nun explained at a press event held for the indie documentary on Monday.
“But when I saw the project announced on TV, what I saw wasn’t a proposal for restoration, what I saw was damage to my homeland,” said Jiyul on what prompted her to take action four years ago.
Although it took a few years for her to decide on a documentary, Jiyul knew that she had to get the story out to the public.
“I just wanted to chronicle the transformation,” said the 57-year-old who is perhaps best remembered for her 100-day fast against President Roh Moo-hyun’s bullet-train project that would have seen a tunnel built through Mount Cheongseong.
“Through the film, all I wanted to do was highlight the problem, and through it, hopefully come to a solution,” said the environmentalist.
Even without special effects, the captivating story draws in viewers.
Alternating between construction sites at the Yeongju Dam - part of the government project - and the residents forced to vacate, Jiyul fuses poetry, personal thoughts and a medley of stories from the displaced people.
The juxtaposition of pristine nature versus destructive machinery gives viewers a sense of urgency about what needs to be done.
The film will open March 28 at cinemas specializing in independent films.
By Carla Sunwoo [carlasunwoo@joongang.co.kr]
More in Arts & Design
Museums and theaters set to reopen on Tuesday
Kim Young-taek, 'the master of Korean pen art,' dies age 76
Chang Ucchin retrospective
Rare exhibition sheds light on foreign researchers of Korean art
Book on Korean art master of traditional painting to be released in U.S. this year
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
To write comments, please log in to one of the accounts.
Standards Board Policy (0/250자)