The Reason to Live

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Shiners
Rafael 3 Sat, May 5, 2018 6:15 PM
Who knew the seemingly mundane profession of shoe shining could be so compelling? With great compassion and skill, director Stacey Tenenbaum spotlights shoe-shiners from New York to Tokyo in this illuminating film. Each character tells their unique story candidly and with dignity. Often invisible to the disdainful eye of the public, these illusive artists speak of class differences, job satisfaction, and the meaning of life. Don, a former accountant, now a “shiner” on the streets of New York, says his métier got him out of the rat race, while Yuya in Tokyo treats his art like a Japanese tea ceremony. For Sylvia from Mexico, the job allows her to keep her small children close while working. With shoe shining making a resurgence, the film helps us appreciate anew this once dying vocation. Just as these shoe-shining philosophers bring pleasure and conversation to their clientele, this entertaining and polished film has never a dull moment. | CALIFORNIA PREMIERE IN PERSON: Director Stace
Shiners
Sequoia 1 Sun, May 6, 2018 3:45 PM
Who knew the seemingly mundane profession of shoe shining could be so compelling? With great compassion and skill, director Stacey Tenenbaum spotlights shoe-shiners from New York to Tokyo in this illuminating film. Each character tells their unique story candidly and with dignity. Often invisible to the disdainful eye of the public, these illusive artists speak of class differences, job satisfaction, and the meaning of life. Don, a former accountant, now a “shiner” on the streets of New York, says his métier got him out of the rat race, while Yuya in Tokyo treats his art like a Japanese tea ceremony. For Sylvia from Mexico, the job allows her to keep her small children close while working. With shoe shining making a resurgence, the film helps us appreciate anew this once dying vocation. Just as these shoe-shining philosophers bring pleasure and conversation to their clientele, this entertaining and polished film has never a dull moment. | CALIFORNIA PREMIERE IN PERSON: Director Stace
Film Info
Country:US
Running Time:11 min.
Director:Boyoung Kim
Producer:Boyoung Kim
Screenwriter:Boyoung Kim
Cinematographer:Stephen Vincent Nguyen
Editor:Boyoung Kim
Cast:Ron Kemp

Description

An optimistic street musician busking in San Francisco shares inspirational stories of music, transformation, and making people smile.

IN PERSON: Director Boyoung Kim

Additional Information


Boyoung Kim is a filmmaker from South Korea currently studying cinema at San Francisco State University. In 2014, she worked in the production department at California Musical Theatre and assisted in the production of two short films funded by the Bay Area Video Coalition. From 2015-2016, Kim directed a number of short films, including Dream Bags (2016), which was selected by the NATAS for a scholarship award. Kim recently traveled to Israel as one of four directors among 20 young filmmakers from 14 different countries and directed Jerusalem, if I forget you (2017) through the Jerusalem Film Workshop.