"ROOT: THE KOREAN AMERICAN SAGA"

Synopsis

“Root: The Korean American Saga” follows multiple Korean American families across generations as they confront the gaps between memory and identity. Through personal interviews shaped by immigration, the Korean War, and the 1992 Los Angeles Riots, the film reveals how cultural heritage is gradually lost—and rediscovered.

As past and present intersect, the story builds toward a collective realization: preserving these voices is essential, and a Korean American museum in Los Angeles becomes a vital step in reconnecting the community’s past with its future.

Executive Summary

“Root: The Korean American Saga” is a 60-minute feature documentary that explores the historical journey, cultural identity, and intergenerational challenges of the Korean American community. More than a historical account, the film serves as a critical platform for preserving oral histories and amplifying voices that have often gone undocumented.

Beginning with the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Korea in 1882, the documentary traces early immigration patterns and examines the socio-political challenges faced by Korean Americans, including the impact of the Korean War, systemic discrimination, and the transformative effects of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. It also highlights pivotal moments such as the 1992 Los Angeles Riots, which reshaped community identity and civic engagement.

Central to the film are personal narratives from individuals across multiple generations. Through these interviews, the documentary addresses the growing disconnect between generations caused by language barriers, cultural assimilation, and the lack of structured cultural heritage education. By capturing the stories of ordinary families, the film creates a living archive that preserves cultural memory while fosters understanding between younger and older generations.

The objective of this collaborative film project is to remind all of us how important it is to establish and sustain a Korean American museum. A museum is not simply a building that houses artifacts—it is a living cultural institution that preserves oral histories, documents community experiences, and provides a platform for education, dialogue, and intergenerational connection. In a city like Los Angeles—home to one of the largest Korean American populations in the world—a dedicated museum is essential to ensure that the history, struggles, and contributions of Korean Americans are properly archived, interpreted, and shared with future generations and the broader public. It serves as a cultural anchor for the community, fostering identity, pride, and continuity while connecting diverse audiences through storytelling, film, and interactive programming.

The project underscores the urgency of documenting these voices, emphasizing that the preservation of oral history is essential to maintaining cultural identity and strengthening community cohesion. It positions storytelling as a tool for bridging generational divides, promoting empathy, and ensuring that the experiences and contributions of Korean Americans are recognized and sustained.

“Root: The Korean American Saga” will be publicly screened as a closing night feature on the evening of September 6th at the KTOWN International Film Festival, serving as a unifying cultural moment that brings together diverse audiences to reflect on shared history and future possibilities.