AsiaLENS: AEMS Documentary Film and Discussion Series at the Spurlock: This Island Is Ours

• Event Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2017
• Time: 3:00 pm (CST)
• Location: Knight Auditorium, Spurlock Museum, 600 S. Gregory St., Urbana, IL
• Cost: Free Admission

• Film

AsiaLENS is a series of free public film screenings and discussion programs—organized by the Asian Educational Media Service (AEMS)/Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies (CEAPS) in collaboration with the Spurlock Museum—presenting recent documentary and independent films on issues reflecting contemporary life in Asia. Local and visiting experts introduce the films and lead audiences in post-screening discussions.

This Island Is Ours
Directed by Alexander Bukh and Nils Clauss
2016 / 53 minutes / Japan/South Korea

Film Description

The territorial dispute between Japan and Korea over the ownership of the Dokdo/Takeshima islets is not limited to state to state relations. In both countries there are citizens' groups actively engaged in protesting, lobbying and educating the public. This Island Is Ours follows a Korean kindergarten caretaker with a background in student activism and a recently widowed Japanese housewife as they campaign tirelessly for the sovereignty of the tiny islets that are currently controlled by Korea, but also claimed by Japan. This film creates a rare insight into the life of the two activists on both sides by presenting their parallel experiences from a neutral point of view.

This documentary results from collaboration between Seoul based filmmaker Nils Clauss and Wellington based Alexander Bukh, a scholar of international relations of Northeast Asia.