I Am Sun Mu

I AM SUN MU introduces us to Sun Mu, a North Korean defector who originally escaped the country simply because he was starving, not to rebel against its extreme dictatorship. In fact, Sun Mu was championed by the government for his artistic skills, which they utilized to create propaganda posters. But even for a valued citizen, life in North Korea was rough. Food was scarce, and the constant hunger was crippling. It wasn't until he made it to China that he discovered the dire conditions back home were intentional. This shocking revelation led Sun Mu on a mission to use his art to protest the lies and atrocities committed by leaders like Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un. Now living with his family in South Korea, Sun Mu has to remain anonymous to avoid the danger of retaliation. When a Chinese art gallery offers him an exhibition, Sun Mu will come face to face with his biggest fear. While he may be physically free of the shackles of North Korea, the evil forces there could overshadow his art and jeopardize his promising career. (Cleveland International Film Festival)