We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hyejin “Grace” Park. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hyejin “Grace” below.
Hyejin “Grace”, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
At 17, I decided to pursue a career in filmmaking, and while some people found it cool, others warned me about the challenges of the industry. Now, after a decade of experience, I feel like I can attest that it’s both cool and tough.
After completing my MFA, I became a freelance filmmaker, which has been both rewarding and demanding. Staying organized and disciplined has been a significant challenge, but I’ve learned the importance of scheduling specific times for directing, writing, and editing and sticking to those times as much as possible. While it’s not always easy to stay on track, I’m proud of how I’ve developed my workflow, silenced my fears, and taken things one step at a time.
Despite the difficulties, I love being a creative in the film industry. Bringing a story to life and sharing it with others is my passion for life, and collaborating with fellow professionals is a thrilling experience. The process of filmmaking, where diverse minds converge to create something unique that touches people’s hearts, is incredibly powerful to me.
Although I sometimes yearn for the stability of a regular job, I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had as a freelancer. Each project is different and valuable in its own way, from directing an awesome film or assisting a second unit director for a blockbuster to editing a fellow creative’s story. I relish the variety of projects and the chance to work with a wide range of creatives.
Looking back on my journey as a filmmaker, I realize that setbacks and challenges are an inevitable part of the process. While it hasn’t always been easy, I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned and the growth I’ve experienced along the way.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
As a film director, screenwriter, and film editor, I’m passionate about telling stories that capture the little struggles and victories in this strange world we live in. Growing up, I went back and forth between New Zealand and South Korea, and always felt like the “weird one.” That’s why I love exploring “fish out of water” stories in my work.
Over the past decade, I’ve written and directed 24 short films that have won numerous awards and nominations. I explore themes such as dreams, unconsciousness, and supernatural events to address social issues. Recently, I directed a short film called “Rope from Heaven,” which tells the story of a comfort woman during the Japanese colonial rule of Korea. I’m also finishing up a feature film called “Jack & Lou,” set in 1920s Chicago that I co-directed.
I first discovered my love for storytelling when I was five, but I initially wanted to become an astronomer. However, when it came time to apply for college, I realized that physics wasn’t my strongest suit. That’s when I watched the film “Contact” and realized that film could be a powerful way to tell stories and explore broader themes.
As a filmmaker, I’m passionate about all aspects of the filmmaking process, from writing to directing to editing. I agree with Robert Bresson that a film is made three times: first on the page, then on set, and finally in the edit. I enjoy working with creatives to bring a film to life and to help it reach its full potential.
I’ve discovered that I’m a bright but also a dark person- with a fascination for exploring the boundaries of emotion. I love the term “Dark Comedy” and enjoy genre-twisting films that combine elements of romance, horror, and magical realism. I believe that this contrast is what gives my films their unique flavor.
One of the things I’m most proud of is my perseverance in the face of challenges. Being an Asian female filmmaker has come with its own set of obstacles, but I’ve learned that if I don’t give up, something will happen. Whenever I feel like giving up, I sing the song “Keep Swimming” from Finding Nemo, reminding myself to push through tough times.
Looking ahead, I will continue to create sci-fi/fantasy films that reflect our society and its issues, hoping to make the audience’s hearts move.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
As a filmmaker, my main focus is to forge an emotional connection with the audience by sharing stories that hold personal significance to me, even if they resonate with just a few individuals. I aim to create films that make people feel seen, heard, and less alone in this world. I am driven by a deep desire to touch people’s hearts and souls, to evoke laughter or tears, and to inspire them to dream and imagine – Bring them on a magic carpet ride.
My mission is to tell stories that challenge the status quo, confront social issues, and explore uncharted territories of the human experience. I believe that film can bring people together, fostering empathy and understanding and giving voice to the marginalized and underrepresented.
As a filmmaker, I strive to use my craft as a tool for personal and collective transformation, hoping to positively impact the world one step at a time.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
As an artist and creative, the most rewarding part is seeing how people react to my work. It can be a little scary to be vulnerable and share something that feels like my baby, straight from my heart. But when I witness people laughing or crying during my film, it’s the best feeling. It makes me think, ‘Wow, maybe I’m not alone in feeling this way’ and glad that I was able to let a few folks feel heard as well.
I don’t think I create films with the intention of pleasing everyone, but if I can touch even just one person with my work, that’s more than enough for me. I consider it a privilege to express myself and connect with people through art, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to do so.
Contact Info:
- Website: vimeo.com/gracepark
- Instagram: @graceatthepark
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graceatthepark/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/graceatthepark https://m.imdb.com/name/nm12890330/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
Image Credits
Amber Jones, Devone Johns, Yue Yu, Daeil Kim, Oscar O’Reilly, Sydney Taylor