SONGS OF LOVE

FROM HAWAIʻI (2024)

A musical drama film that takes you on
a journey of untold stories of sacrifice, love,
and unbreakable bonds of the first Korean
immigrants in Hawaiʻi.

Synopsis

Embark on a captivating musical odyssey through the diverse history of Korean American immigrants in Hawaiʻi. This film intricately weaves together three distinct episodes, seamlessly blending historical narratives with soul-stirring musical performances. The first episode takes audiences on a 120-year journey of Korean American history, delving into the aspirations that drove these pioneers. Through previously unseen archival images and footage, viewers are transported to the heart of the immigrant experience. The second episode tenderly portrays the life of Lim Ok Soon, a "picture bride," accompanied by the enchanting musical prowess of Grammy-winning violist Richard Youngjae O'Neil. The film crescendos in its final episode, a heartfelt musical tribute to the souls resting in Molokaʻi's Kalaupapa. Through haunting renditions of 'Aloha ʻOe' and other classics, violinist Chee-yun and Ignace 'Iggy' Jang, accompanied by the soulful slack-key guitar of Keola Beamer, pay homage to these departed souls, creating a moving cinematic experience. "Songs of Love" made its world premiere at the Hawaii International Film Festival in October 2023, and it was also officially invited to the Portugal International Film Festival.

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Screening Schedule

Honolulu, Hawaii Community Screenings

July 31, 2024: As part of the Hawaiʻi International Film Festivalʻs Summer Flix free outdoor film screenings

September 26, 2024: Set to broadcast on PBS Hawaiʻi

October 20, 2024, 2:00 PM: At the Honolulu Museum of Art: Doris Duke Theater
South Korea Nationwide Theatrical release on October 30 , 2024
November 12, 2024: Screening with Asian Studies & Global Human Development, Georgetown University

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Project details

Running Time: 63 minutes
Language: English, Korean
Technical specs: 4K DCI for theatrical distribution and
HD broadcasting/ Premium sound quality / 4096 * 2160 (1.9:1)

Awards and Exposure

World Premiered at the 43rd Hawaii International Film Festival, 2023
Official Invitation to Portugal International Film Festival, 2023
Screening at Los Angeles Korean Cultural Center, 2023
Korea Day Celebration Gala, Korean American Foundation Hawaii, 2023
Korean Women Immigrant Leaders Symposium, University of Hawaii, 2023
Screening at Honolulu Museum of Art, in celebration of AAPI and 120 Years of Korean Immigration, 2023
Screening and talk on Korean Diaspora The Council of Korean Americans, 2023
Visual Exhibitions at Incheon Metropolitan City Museum, 2022

Film Stills

Behind the Scenes

Media

LEE JINYOUNG'S "SONGS OF LOVE FROM HAWAII"

[인터뷰] 120년 전 하와이로 간 ‘사진 신부’를 아세요? "사진 한 장만 보고..."

[The Globalists] The Legacy of Korean Immigrants in Hawaii (한인 이민사의 첫 걸음, 하와이 이주민들의 유산)

“사진과 음악으로 무한대의 감동을!” 120년 하와이 이민사를 그려낸 음악 다큐 [하와이 연가] - 이진영 [신장식의 뉴스하이킥], MBC 230811 방송

[주말&문화] 미주 한인 이민 120년…하와이에 울려 퍼진 ‘사랑의 노래’ [9시 뉴스] / KBS 2023.02.25.

Next generation of Koreans find home near heart of Honolulu

The Intriguing Tale of Korean Diaspora! | KOREAZ Focus Ep.18

New musical documentary premiering at HIFF that showcases Korean immigrants in Hawaii

Exhibition

EXHIBITION SONGS OF LOVE

<Songs of Love> Incheon City Metropolitan Museum

Special Exhibition <Songs of Love> Incheon City Metropolitan Museum 2022.11.22 - 2023.2.5

Production Team

Produced and Directed by Jinyoung Lee
Co-Produced by T.S. Bam, Yea Jee Lee
Written by Jinyoung Lee (Parts 1 & 3), Gary Pak (Part 2)

Narrated by Ye, Soo-Jung, Gary Pak
Cast: Ignace “Iggy” Jang, Richard Yongjae O'Neill, Chee-Yun, Keola Beamer
Director of Photography Pawel Nuckowski, Matt Yamashita
Animation Huni Nam and Dasol Kim, Niri Studio
Post Production SOLE Pictures (Part 1) StudioClon (Part 2 & 3)
3D Digital Art INDIVIDUAL
Music Consultant Ignace “Iggy” Jang

Jinyoung Lee

Director, Writer, Executive Producer

An award-winning journalist-turned-filmmaker, Jinyoung Lee earned her Journalism and Multimedia degree from Ewha Womans University in Seoul. Since her 2005 move to Hawaii, she seamlessly shifted from journalism to cinema, founding Now Production Films in 2012. Her debut, "The Words of Wisdom from the Rainbow State" (2021), earned global acclaim at the 41st Hawaii International Film Festival. Her latest project, "Songs of Love" (2023), combines historic photos with world-renowned musicians' performances. Recognized by South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and acclaimed film festivals, Jinyoung's creativity leaves a lasting impression on global cinema. She also contributes as a dedicated cellist and board member of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra.

Matt Yamashita

Director of Photography

An Emmy Award-winning filmmaker from Moloka‘i, earned a BFA in Film Production from Chapman University. As Moloka‘i’s first professional filmmaker, he has been in the industry since 2001, contributing to productions aired on PBS National and Arte France. Matt played key roles in Part 3 of “Songs of Love.”

Yeajee Lee

Producer

A graduate of Ewha Women’s University, was a producer at KBS Korea’s National TV Broadcasting from 2005 to 2014, creating nationally popular programs. In 2015, Yeajee joined SM Group, where she is currently the SM C&C Studio
Head, overseeing non-script original contents' content planning. She played a crucial role as a producer in content development for “Songs of Love.”

Gary Pak

Writer

A celebrated director and Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, holds a BA from Boston University and an MA and PhD from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Raised in Hawai‘i, his grandparents fled Korea during World War II. In “Songs of Love,” his storytelling shines in Part 2, drawing from cherished memories with his grandmother, Lim Ok-Soon.

Ye Soo-jung

Actress

A renowned South Korean actress since her 1979 debut, is an icon in the industry. Known for her exceptional performances in theater and cinema, she played notable roles in films like
<The Thieves> (2012), <TRAIN TO BUSAN> (2016), and <Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds> (2017). Her voice acting in “Songs of Love” Part 2, portraying Lim Ok Soon, adds
depth to the film.

Ignace "Iggy" Jang

Music Consultant, Violinist

Renowned violinist Ignace “Iggy” Jang, Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra’s concertmaster, captivates audiences
worldwide with his extraordinary style, impeccable musicianship, and exquisite timbre. Born to Korean parents in France, Jang’s artistry graces prestigious stages from Paris’ Théatre des Champs-Elysées to Seoul Arts Center. A graduate of the Paris Conservatory, he earned an Artist Diploma degree from Indiana University and went on to
serve as a visiting scholar.

Richard Yongjae O'Neill

Violist

Emmy Award winner and Grammy nominee Richard O’Neill, a virtuoso violist, has mesmerized global audiences, collaborating with esteemed orchestras and leading initiatives to introduce chamber music to thousands in South Korea and Japan. Recognized for his artistic contributions, O’Neill serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for the Korean Red Cross, Special Olympics, and UNICEF.

Chee-Yun

Violinist

Violinist Chee-Yun, a prodigy from Seoul, enchants audiences with her brilliant concerto performances worldwide. Trained at Juilliard and mentored by renowned instructors, she has graced stages with orchestras like the San Francisco Symphony and NHK Symphony, leaving an indelible mark on the international classical music scene.

Keola Beamer

Slack Key Guitarist

Keola Beamer has breathed new life into slack key guitar music yet stays true to its deep Hawaiian roots. He
is a Hawaiian legend: singer-songwriter, composer, guitar master, with an impeccable, gorgeous style that is featured on The Descendants soundtrack and his 17 CDs. His music, featured in the Part 3 of “Songs of
Love” showcases true humanity.

A musical drama film that takes you on a journey of untold stories of sacrifice, love, and unbreakable bonds of the first Korean immigrants in Hawaiʻi.