Jeju 4/3 Incident Inspires New Film: “My Name” Seeks Reconciliation
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A citizen-funded film, “My Name,” explores teh themes of peace, human rights, adn healing in the aftermath of the Jeju 4/3 incident. The film aims to foster reconciliation between victims and perpetrators, offering a path toward a future-oriented understanding of the past.
A mothers Search for Identity and Justice
Director Jung Ji-young, speaking at the Jeju Island council on March 21st, emphasized the film’s focus on restoring lost identities. He stated that My Name
represents the starting point for individuals, especially mothers who lost children during the tragic events, to reclaim their sense of self, their Jeongmyeong
.
I hope that a mother who loses less than eight years of age finds a lost name…
My nameis the starting point to find my name, Jeongmyeong.Jung Ji-young, Film Director
Citizen Funding Fuels a Story of Healing
the production of My name
was made possible through citizen funding, exceeding its initial target by tenfold. The project successfully raised 440 million won, significantly surpassing the goal of 43 million won, a symbolic reference to the 4/3 incident. This remarkable achievement underscores the community’s desire to confront the past and promote healing through art.
Crowdfunding has become an increasingly popular method for financing independent films that tackle sensitive or underrepresented topics. For example, the documentary Aftershock (2022), which examines the U.S. maternal mortality crisis, was partially funded through crowdfunding and went on to receive critical acclaim.
Star-Studded Cast Brings the Story to Life
The film features a talented cast, including Yeom Hye-ran as the main character’s mother and Yoo Jun-sang as her adult son. My Name
is scheduled to premiere in conjunction wiht the April 3 Memorial Ceremony next year, ensuring that the film’s message of reconciliation reaches a wide audience.
The Enduring Legacy of the Jeju 4/3 Incident
The Jeju 4/3 incident, a tragic period in South Korean history, continues to resonate deeply within the nation. The events, which unfolded between 1948 and 1949, involved the suppression of a local uprising on Jeju Island, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians. Films like My Name
play a crucial role in preserving the memory of these events and fostering dialog about reconciliation and justice.
According to the Jeju 4/3 Peace Foundation, the official death toll is estimated to be between 14,000 and 30,000 people. Though,the true number may never be fully known. The incident remains a sensitive topic in South Korea, and ongoing efforts are being made to uncover the truth and provide redress to the victims and their families.