Watch My Way in Pyongyang

My Way in Pyongyang is a 2014 documentary film directed by the British filmmaker Robin K. Williams. It depicts the journey of two young men, Kelvin and Kenneth, who travel to North Korea to participate in the 13th Pyongyang International Film Festival. The film follows their experiences and interactions with the local people, including their North Korean guides and fellow filmmakers from various countries.

The documentary opens with a brief history of North Korea and its relationship with the outside world. It then focuses on Kelvin and Kenneth, who are both relatively inexperienced filmmakers but are eager to showcase their work at the festival. The two young men are from Hong Kong, and they arrive in the capital city of Pyongyang with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.

As they settle into their hotel, they begin to explore the city and its many landmarks, including the Juche Tower, the Grand Monument on Mansu Hill, and the Ryugyong Hotel. They are accompanied by their North Korean guides, who provide fascinating insights into the country's culture and way of life.

The heart of the documentary, however, is the portrayal of the film festival itself. Kelvin and Kenneth are among a group of international filmmakers who are invited to attend the festival, which is a major cultural event in North Korea. They are given the chance to screen their films at various venues throughout the city, including the famous Pyongyang International Cinema House.

The filmmakers are treated with great respect by their North Korean hosts, who are proud to showcase their country's achievements in the areas of film and culture. Many of the films screened at the festival are propaganda pieces that celebrate the achievements of the ruling party and the North Korean people.

Despite the political undertones of the festival, Kelvin and Kenneth manage to make meaningful connections with their fellow filmmakers from around the world. They talk about the challenges of filmmaking in their respective countries, as well as the common issues that affect all filmmakers regardless of their nationality.

Throughout the film, there are poignant moments that highlight the cultural divide between the filmmakers from different parts of the world. For example, Kelvin and Kenneth are surprised to see a Russian filmmaker smoking inside a building, which is strictly forbidden in Hong Kong. They are also taken aback by the formal and hierarchical nature of the festival, which is quite different from the more laid-back film festivals they are familiar with.

As the festival draws to a close, Kelvin and Kenneth reflect on their experiences in North Korea. They are struck by the warmth and hospitality of the local people, who are eager to show their guests the best that their country has to offer. They are also impressed by the dedication and passion of the North Korean filmmakers, who work tirelessly to create films that celebrate their country's ideals and values.

Overall, My Way in Pyongyang is a thought-provoking and insightful documentary that offers a rare glimpse into the world of North Korean cinema. It is a fascinating exploration of the cultural and political divide between North Korea and the outside world, and it raises important questions about the role of film in shaping our understanding of other cultures and societies.

My Way in Pyongyang is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 51 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.