Draft:After the Sewol

After the Sewol, is a feature length documentary exploring the aftermath of the Sewol ferry disaster in South Korea. On the 16th of April 2014 South Korea was changed as a nation. After the days, weeks, and months that followed the Sewol tragedy, the country became undone, untrusting, and more divided than we have ever seen in its history. 'After the Sewol' explores the changing faces of this nation through the eyes of two British filmmakers. They talk with relatives of the victims, rescue divers, and activists about their struggles and battles since this tragic accident happened and embark upon a journey to uncover how this accident came about, looking deep into Korean history about why no action was taken to prevent it in the first place. This journey takes them all over Korea, meeting an older generation struggling to create a safer place for their children to live in and a young vibrant generation fighting for a corrupt free society. But, all of them searching for one thing, the truth about why the Sewol victims died. —Neil George

Background:
After the Sewol is a documentary film driven by a profound desire to explore the deeply resonating impact of the tragic sinking of the Sewol Ferry. The impetus behind creating this documentary stems from the personal experiences of its creators, Neil P George and Matt Root, expatriates living in South Korea during the time of the incident.

Motivation:
The catalyst for the film emerged from a shared memory of how the Sewol Ferry disaster affected them as expatriates. Matt, one of the creators, found himself drawn to news stations, earnestly following the progress of the rescue operations. However, the inundation of conflicting information led to a pervasive sense of confusion, an experience we believe resonated with others who were also grappling with the complexities of the unfolding events. Neil, at the time, was working as a film director and assistant professor at Dong-ah Institute of media and arts. One of the main purposes of this film was to show that the people of South Korea never give up in the face of adversity. Even after struggling through dictatorships, since the armistice in 1953, leading up to the Gwangju 5.18 uprising (1980) and the 1987 6.10 democratic movements, the people were always at the forefront of these battles, often resulting in massive casualties and death. After the country became a democracy, in 1987, it once again went through many new battles while fighting for a new society that puts the people first. The issues with North Korea are well known and documented and the powerhouse created by the Kim family remains an ever present threat to the stability of the Korean peninsula but often overshadows what the South have endured.

Unique Perspective:
While numerous documentaries have delved into the technicalities surrounding the causes of the Sewol Ferry sinking, After the Sewol takes a distinctive approach by focusing on the often-overlooked aspect – the profound effects of this tragedy on the individuals who lost their loved ones. The directors recognized a gap in the narrative, prompting them to create a film that not only informs but also sheds light on the emotional and psychological transformations that people undergo when confronted with profound trauma.

Educational Aim:
At the heart of the film is the mission to educate audiences about the nuanced and enduring changes that individuals undergo in the aftermath of a great trauma. By weaving together personal narratives and exploring the psychological aftermath of the Sewol Ferry disaster, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the human experience in times of profound crisis.

Giving Back to South Korea:
As expatriates who chose South Korea as their home, they felt a sense of responsibility to contribute something meaningful to the country that has embraced and taken care of us. After the Sewol was their way of giving back, by acknowledging and addressing the collective struggles endured by the citizens of South Korea in the wake of this tragic event.

In After the Sewol, they strive to offer a poignant and empathetic exploration of the human dimensions of the Sewol Ferry disaster, contributing to the ongoing dialogue surrounding its impact on both individuals and society at large.

Matthew Root
Matthew is a sound designer turned director who has worked on numerous productions since moving to South Korea in 2011. In Korea, Matthew has worked with clients such as Reebok, Angle Magazine, The Daegu Compass, and The Discovery Channel.

In 2014 Matthew worked as a DP for a feature documentary about the disputed islets of Dokdo.

Neil P George
Neil George is a highly accomplished film producer and director, recognized for his outstanding contributions to the world of documentary filmmaking. Born and raised in Exeter, England, Neil's journey in film has taken him across borders, cultures, and compelling human stories.

Having served as the producer and director of over 100 TV programs for Sky during the 2000s, Neil's passion for film and teaching led him to South Korea in 2011. Drawn by an opportunity to impart his expertise in film production at a media university near Seoul, Neil's creative journey took a transformative turn.

In Korea, Neil immersed himself in the intricacies of society and culture, sparking a profound interest in human rights filmmaking. His dedication resulted in the production of several award-winning films that delve into compelling narratives. Notable among these is 'While They Watched ' (2015), a poignant exploration of the lives of North Korean defectors. Another impactful work was 'Beyond the Picture: The Story of Sohn Kee Chung,' (2015) a film that delves into the rich tapestry of Korean society.

However, it was 'After the Sewol ' (2016) that became a significant milestone in Neil's career. Spending over five years on this deeply moving documentary related to the Sewol tragedy, Neil showcased his commitment to telling stories that resonate with societal challenges. He followed this with 'Crossroads ,' a film that further explored the aftermath of the Sewol tragedy.

In 2018, Neil initiated a collaborative project with the UNHCR, titled "Our Journey ." This series of films sheds light on the stories of Yemeni refugees seeking asylum on Jeju Island, unraveling the complexities that led them to escape their homeland. Continuing his exploration of refugee narratives, Neil produced "Writing to Reach You ," a short documentary capturing the lives of four refugees striving to build new lives in South Korea.

Neil's commitment to global storytelling led to a commission by the UNHCR in 2022 to direct a documentary on Ukrainian refugees living in Poland. Titled "Dodomu ," the film is narrated by the acclaimed Jung Woo Sung.