We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hyo (hyowon) Kim a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Hyo (Hyowon), thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on recently was my first cycle film as a director at AFI. It was an experience that taught me the importance of preparation, adaptability, and collaboration. While the final film was praised for its acting and visual tone—achieved through careful lighting and production design—the process revealed key areas for growth.
Time constraints forced us to cut shots and reorganize scenes, which kept the narrative intact but affected pacing, especially in a key emotional moment. Challenges, such as an actor forgetting lines during a pivotal scene, underscored the need for more rehearsal and flexibility on set. Despite these hurdles, the team’s dedication and support made the experience unforgettable.
This project taught me to prioritize rehearsals, simplify narratives for shorter formats, and plan with greater precision. It was a transformative milestone that continues to shape my approach as a filmmaker.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My journey into filmmaking began with a deep love for visual storytelling and an obsession with the way film can evoke emotions through composition, movement, and rhythm. I work as a writer-director, crafting narratives that explore themes of identity, memory, and human connection, often blending drama with surreal or stylized elements.
I’ve always believed that storytelling is about emotional truth—finding those moments of vulnerability and honesty that connect us across different backgrounds. Filmmaking, for me, is about exploring the unspoken, the emotions that exist beneath the surface.
I like to create spaces where actors can fully inhabit their characters, where the cinematography and production design don’t just serve the story but become an extension of the character’s psychology.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a filmmaker is the ability to capture emotions that are often difficult to articulate and translate them into something that feels deeply personal yet universally understood.“I see filmmaking as a way to explore what it means to be human. The pursuit—of distilling complex emotions, internal struggles, and fleeting moments into something tangible on screen—is what drives me.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I believe storytelling is a way to bridge gaps between cultures, perspectives, and identities—revealing the universality of emotion even in the most specific of narratives. My goal is to craft films that don’t just tell stories but evoke deep, lingering feelings, allowing audiences to see themselves in the characters, even when their lives and circumstances are vastly different.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hyowonkim.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/is.hhyo
