Interview with Director Dodam Kim

Dodam Kim, a director with a background in theater acting, brings a thoughtful and reflective approach to his debut film Keep Roll. Drawing on personal experiences and intense discussions about the significance of process versus result, Kim infuses his work with themes of perseverance and self-reflection. His unique perspective, shaped by both acting and directing, offers audiences an insightful take on the complexities of life’s journey, encouraging viewers to keep moving forward, no matter the challenges.

Having started as a theater actor, what do you think is the biggest difference between theater and film?

I think the biggest difference between theater and film is the distance between the actor and the audience. The essence is the same, and it’s just a difference in the ‘mechanism.’

What new insights did you gain about film through directing?

I wrote the screenplay myself, received feedback, and made adjustments while adapting it. I incorporated the team members’ opinions while ensuring that the core message of the story wasn’t lost. The idea for the story came from my desire to direct a film. Since it was my first time directing, I wanted to tell a simple story rather than something complicated.

I once had a very intense discussion with a friend about whether the process or the result is more important. At the time, I was in a period of my life where I was struggling through the process of shaping my life. Actually, I still am. Anyway, that friend had a strong belief that the result is what truly matters, no matter what you do.

I drew inspiration for the film from that conversation. While my approach to filmmaking has evolved since then, the story came from that experience. In the end, both the result and the process are important. The line “So what if the play is smooth? You’ve got to score a goal!” probably came from that.

You took on the roles of both director and actor. Did you face any difficulties or advantages during that process?

Luckily, since I’ve worked on theater and short films before, I didn’t face major difficulties. I think I was able to enjoy the process, trust it, and stay positive. I feel indebted to everyone and just full of gratitude.

Were there any directorial elements you paid special attention to, considering the genre characteristics? *spoiler alert

You’ll see it when you watch the film, but I paid attention to making sure the character’s demeanor differed between the two stories.

Do you have any memorable or funny episodes from the filming process?

We had to urgently change the shooting location. Sometimes things don’t go as planned on set, but we handled it flexibly and kept shooting with smiles. We managed everything well. That’s the funny episode.

What message do you hope to convey to the audience through this film?

That’s a difficult question to answer. I just hope everyone continues moving forward in their own life direction. I carefully think that if you do, you might find yourself one step ahead.

What type of films do you want to create in the future?

I often go to the cinema and watch all kinds of genres. After watching a film, there are things that stay with you as you leave the cinema. Whatever those things may be, I want to create films that leave a positive impact on the audience. I’m currently planning my next short film, and I hope it can achieve that goal.