The Lovers and the Despot

Directed by Robert Cannan and Ross Adam

Written by Robert Cannan, Ross Adam, and Jim Hession

Produced by Robert Cannan, Ross Adam, and Natasha Dack Ojumu

 

Official Selection: Sundance Film Festival 2016; Edinburgh International Film Festival 2016.

In Theaters, On Demand, Amazon Video, and iTunes on Friday, September 23rd, 2016.

 

They were the Brangelina of ’70s South Korea—the romance between the debonair film director Shin Sang-ok and glamorous actress Choi Eun-hee took them to the heights of South Korean society. Fame took a toll on their love, but it also attracted unbelievable twists of fate. The two find themselves kidnapped by the North Korean regime, and they are forced to play along with a bizarre filmmaking project led by superfan cinephile Kim Jong-il. Enduring torture, imprisonment, and surveillance, their romance is rekindled, and they realize escape is only possible through filmmaking—but the smallest mistake in their plans could cost them their lives.

 

This film noir of the most twisted order is meticulously crafted with an analog-loving sensibility, offering incredible archive footage of the era that even includes rare clandestine audio recordings of Jong-il discussing his plot for a cinematic paradise. The tapes deliver a chilling yet fascinating glimpse into the psychology of the North Korean dictatorship and what happens when art, love, and megalomania collide.

 

Provided courtesy of Magnolia Pictures. Not rated. Running time: 98 minutes.

 

Visit the Official Website: http://www.magpictures.com/theloversandthedespot/

Visit the Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheLoversandtheDespot

 

Outside the Box [Office] is a weekly showcase for upcoming releases highlighting world cinema, documentary and independent film titles. Recognizing a need for greater diversity on campus, the series will draw from around the globe to present movies that may challenge, inspire or simply entertain.

 

This screening is free of charge and open to the public. Please bring a valid USC ID or print out of your reservation confirmation, which will automatically be sent to your e-mail account upon successfully making an RSVP through this website. Doors will open at 6:30 P.M.

 

All SCA screenings are OVERBOOKED to ensure seating capacity in the theater, therefore seating is not guaranteed based on RSVPs. The RSVP list will be checked in on a first-come, first-served basis until the theater is full. Once the theater has reached capacity, we will no longer be able to admit guests, regardless of RSVP status.

 

The Robert Zemeckis Center for Digital Arts is located at 3131 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007, directly across from the Shrine Auditorium. The Ron Howard Screening Room, RZC 111, is located in the lobby of the Robert Zemeckis Center. Parking is not available in the Lot Z at the Robert Zemeckis Center, but parking passes may be purchased across the street in the parking structure adjacent to the Shrine.

 

PLEASE NOTE: If you park in LOT Z without a VALID USC Parking Permit for that lot, you will likely receive a parking ticket.

 

Name: Alessandro Ago

Email: aago@cinema.usc.edu