A film depicting the life of independence activist Choi Jae-hyung will be jointly produced by Korea and Russia.
Morning Calm Film announced on the 6th that it has completed the scenario work for the movie “The Godfather of the Independence Army, Pyotr Choi” and will begin full-scale production.
Independence activist Choi Jae-hyung lived in Russia’s Primorsky Krai during the Japanese colonial period, helped local Koreans make a living, founded schools, and participated in the independence movement. He was captured by the Japanese army and executed on April 7, 1920. He is also known for having supported Ahn Jung-geun (1879–1910) in the assassination of Ito Hirobumi.
Morning Calm Film said, “We hope this movie will shed light on the stories of ‘unsung independence activists’ who risked even their lives to ignite the fire of history.”
The company also explained that “a project is underway in which Koryoin (ethnic Koreans) living in Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Sakhalin each contribute 10,000 won to support the film’s production.”
The scenario work took two full years.
Based on the book “Independence Activist Choi Jae-hyung” by Moon Young-sook, director of the Choi Jae-hyung Memorial Foundation, the screenplay was written by director Oh Deok-hwan.
The movie begins with Choi, a businessman in Russia’s Primorsky region, telling his wife Elena of his determination to join Korea’s independence war, and goes on to depict the process of forming the
militia group “Donguihoe.”
The film also shows Choi recounting his childhood to General Hong Beom-do, with whom he fought for independence, and the moment he and Ahn Jung-geun plan and pledge to carry out the assassination of Ito Hirobumi.
During the assassination operation, Choi disguises his role by holding a village feast, and the film vividly portrays how he receives the telegram announcing the mission’s success while dancing with the villagers, his face tense with anticipation.
Filming is scheduled to begin in April next year in Russia’s Primorsky Krai, where Choi was most active.
Moon Jong-geum, CEO of Morning Calm Film and also chairman of the Korea–Russia Friendship Association, led the co-production agreement with a Russian film company.
Moon said, “It is highly meaningful that this is a Korea–Russia co-produced film,” adding, “We hope that through this movie, the relationship between Korea and Russia will grow even closer.”
Photos courtesy of the Choi Jae-hyung Memorial Foundation.
Redistribution and database use prohibited.
By Jung Rae-won
