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Beyond Utopia: Escape from North Korea

A documentary that takes a suspenseful, immersive look at the lengths to which people will go to gain freedom, following various individuals as they attempt to flee North Korea.

A suspenseful, immersive look at the lengths to which people will go to gain freedom. The film follows various individuals as they attempt to flee North Korea, one of the most oppressive places on earth and a land they grew up believing was a paradise.

At the film鈥檚 core are a mother desperate to reunite with the child she was forced to leave behind; a family of five - including small children and an elderly grandmother - embarking on a treacherous journey across the Yalu River and into the hostile mountains of China; and a South Korean Christian pastor on a mission to help them.

Leaving their homeland is fraught with danger - severe punishment if caught and possibly even execution - as well as potential exploitation by unscrupulous brokers. Family members who remain behind may also face retribution. Yet these individuals are driven to take the risk.

Gripping, visceral and urgent, Madeleine Gavin鈥檚 film embeds the viewer with these family members as they attempt their perilous escape, palpably conveying life-or-death stakes.

5 weeks left to watch

1 hour, 44 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Director Madeleine Gavin
Producer Jana Edelbaum
Producer Rachel Cohen
Producer Sue Mi Terry

Broadcast

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