Filmmaker Statement

I want to share with you where the story of "Blue Diamond" resides in my heart. Aging is inevitable, but how you treat your senior citizens varies. Growing up in South Korea you learned the importance of respect; especially for your elders. “Jon-dat-mal” is used as a formal language to your elders in the Korean language. When I made the move to the United States, all I could do was find the similarities and differences between the two cultures. The way people spoke to their elders was a difference that took me by surprise. In South Korea respect is given; In the United States, respect is earned, no matter how old you are. When I made Blue Diamond, I used my perspective of the two differences to come up with a very twisted story. Though we don’t see the issue verbalized in the story, the message is clear; how are we treating our seniors? In this short story, you will see a reflection of the impact society has on aging. Enjoy the film! Writer/Director of BLUE DIAMOND Daeil Kim