In Coming to You (너에게 가는 길), director Byun Gyu-ri sheds light on the struggles faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families in South Korea, a country still grappling with entrenched prejudice despite the declassification of homosexuality as "harmful and obscene" in 2003. Through the stories of two working-class mothers, Nabi and Vivian, the documentary explores the transformative journey from initial reluctance to acceptance and activism.
Nabi, a veteran fire officer, confronts her child Hankyeol's revelation as trans and non-binary, joining the local chapter of PFLAG to better understand their challenges. Meanwhile, flight attendant Vivian grapples with her son Yejoon's coming out as gay, leading him to seek refuge in Canada for freedom from societal constraints. Byun's film paints an unflinchingly honest portrait of the pain, loneliness, and yearning for acceptance experienced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families in South Korea. Nabi and Vivian's journeys showcase the transformative power of allyship and the potential for change in societal attitudes.
Coming to You is an excellent queer documentary. Following two queer Koreans and their mothers, this film gives us an intimate and respectful view into the everyday moments, the ups and downs, and the love between two mothers and their children. There’s a thoughtful use of footage: Sometimes voiceover is added to silent footage, delivering interviews while giving us glimpses into the subject’s lives. There are certainly some rough moments as the documentarians capture anti-gay activists and the abuse they hurl at PFLAG members, but the general tone of the documentary is pensive. I could see anthropology, gender studies, and Asian studies classrooms getting substantial use from this documentary, and some film instructors may be interested in using it to teach documentary filmmaking.
Where does this title belong on public or academic library shelves?
Coming to You is a documentary that primarily explores LGBTQIA+ themes within the context of Korean culture. Therefore, it would be appropriately categorized in several sections within public or academic libraries. Firstly, it belongs on the LGBTQIA+ documentary shelf, as it directly addresses issues related to LGBTQIA+ identities and experiences. This placement would help viewers understand the social, cultural, and political challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly within Korea.
Additionally, the documentary would be a valuable addition to the Asian Studies section. Given that it provides insights into Korean society, it would be relevant for collections focusing on Asian studies. This placement would benefit those studying the region's cultural dynamics, societal norms, and the intersection of these with LGBTQIA+ issues.
Lastly, for those interested in the specifics of Korean life, traditions, and modern societal changes, placing Coming to You in a section dedicated to Korean culture would make it accessible to audiences seeking a deeper understanding of the country's contemporary issues. By positioning the documentary in these sections, libraries can ensure it reaches a diverse audience interested in LGBTQIA+ rights, Asian cultural studies, and Korean society.
What sort of film series could use this title?
The documentary would contribute to discussions on the global struggle for LGBTQIA+ rights, offering a specific look at these issues in Korea. During Pride Month or other LGBTQIA+ celebratory events, Coming to You would be a fitting addition to a Pride film series. It underscores the importance of visibility and acceptance, aligning well with the themes of pride and advocacy. Including Coming to You in these film series would provide audiences with a rich, culturally specific examination of LGBTQIA+ issues, fostering greater understanding and empathy across different contexts.