Despite continuous interference by government handlers, director Vitaly Mansky still manages to document a slice of North Korean life in his acclaimed documentary, UNDER THE SUN. Manksy turns the lens on Pyongyang, the capital city of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, in this fascinating portrait of the year in the life of one girl and her parents while she prepares to join the Korean Children’s Union on the ‘Day Of The Shining Star’ (aka Kim Jong-Il’s birthday). As the family receives instruction on how to be the ideal patriots, Mansky’s watchful camera captures details his handlers might prefer left unseen, from comrades struggling to stay awake during an official event to Zin-mi’s tears at a particularly grueling dance lesson.

“A sinister, real life ‘The Truman Show.'” (The Hollywood Reporter)

“The autocratic kitsch frequently on display is sometimes intimidating and hilarious at the same time.” (The New York Times)

“An awkwardly revealing act of subversion that is arresting however you take it: as propaganda deconstructed, failed or turned into a tragicomedy.” (Variety)

“There’s journalistic filmmaking, and then there’s what Vitaly Mansky does in 'Under The Sun': a feat of truth-telling so daring that watching it makes you feel like a co-conspirator.” (Toronto Sun)

“[Director Vitaliy Manskiy] agreed to every condition demanded by North Korean officials… And he still came up with a heartbreaking record of lives relentlessly stifled from birth.” (The Georgia Straight)

Sunday, November 13
Doors 3:30 pm | Movie 4:00

Tickets $10 advance | $12 at the door
*Groupons and passes OK! Please redeem at the door.
*Must be 19+ w/ID for entry and bar service.

UNDER THE SUN (Vitaly Mansky, 2015 / 106 mins) A propaganda documentary about North Korea that reveals a few hidden facts because the director continues filming between the scripted scenes.