Sanctuary

Feature showcase

WANG Mincheol | 2022 | Documentary | Color | DCP | 120min (E)

SYNOPSIS

Kim Jeong-ho, head veterinarian in Cheongju Zoo, dreams of turning his zoo into the nation’s first sanctuary. The zoo hires animal welfare activist Choi Tae-kyu in hopes of establishing a bear sanctuary for rescued farm bears. Meanwhile, employees at neighboring Chungnam Wildlife Rescue Center support the idea of sanctuary as they unwillingly euthanize rescued animals that are unable to return to the wild.

DIRECTING INTENTION

I witnessed so many animals died as I made a documentary about zoos. Yet, for several reasons, I couldn’t include all of their stories. So I wanted to make a story about the death of the animals. I saw many animals. I also saw many people working for those animals. And I saw the death of many animals. However, there are still many deaths that are not included in the film. I hope all those deaths change the lives of the living animals.

FESTIVAL & AWARDS

2022 Busan International Film Festival
2022 Seoul Animal Film Festival

DIRECTOR
WANG Mincheol

WANG Mincheol

2019 Garden, Zoological

STAFF

Director WANG Mincheol
Producers KIM Ilkwon, CHUNG Hyekyung
Cinematographers LEE Gyuwon, WANG Mincheol
Editor AHN Jeehwan
Music CHO Kwangho
Assistant Director LEE Gyuwon