I had seen A Great Divide last fall at the Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest (SVAPFF). I enjoyed the film and would at least see it again at CAAMFest if only to see director Jean Shim to say hi. As a reminder, from the CAAMFest program guide description:
“Seen through the eyes of a Korean American family that leaves the Bay Area for small-town Wyoming after experiencing devastating loss, A Great Divide – starring Ken Jeong and Jae Suh Park – addresses the emotional and psychological impact of racism and xenophobia on Asian Americans, the loneliness and sacrifice of immigrant sojourners and the generational burden of expectations that weigh on their children. But it’s also a story about a family repairing itself after tragedy, about a young man breaking out of his shell and finding love, about reconciliation and redemption.”
Director Jean Shim, actors Emerson Min, Miya Cech, cinematographer Ray Huang attended the post-screening Q&A. I had met Jean and Emerson before, but not Miya nor Ray. The discussion provided insights into the making of the movie, the themes explored, and the experiences of the cast and crew during production. The panelists share personal anecdotes, behind-the-scenes stories, and reflections on their characters and the overall narrative. Topics range from the inspiration behind the film, the challenges of shooting in diverse locations with wildlife, to the process of embodying their characters. Throughout the discussion, there’s a blend of lighthearted moments, serious reflections, and shared enthusiasm for the project, showcasing the collaborative effort and passion that went into creating the film.
After the Q&A and outside the theater, I was able to get a selfie with director Jean Shim and actors Emerson Min and Miya Cech.
A Great Divide hasn’t gotten distribution yet, so you will have to catch the film at a future film festival screen or try to setup a special screening yourself.
