Christina Yoon’s MOTHERLAND presents an incredibly moving and poignant representation of the identity crisis faced amongst thousands of adoptees around the world. The tone for this shot is immediately set after the irony of the opening line “they will all have a home soon”, as a Korean baby is set to live in Iowa.  

Leah (Tiffany Chu), the protagonist, is let down by her adoption agency and her inability to speak Korean, as she tries to find out about her origin. She is neither in nor out of either culture, looking like she should fit in with a group of Korean friends, but unable to communicate with them; a theme reflected in the stark contrasting imagery of the Western branding “Coca Cola” standing out alongside the Korean writing in the night club. 

Taking matters into her own hands, she travels to Korea in the hope of finding herself. The audience is taken on a rollercoaster of emotions as lies and deceit are thrown around in a matter of minutes, meaning when the truth does emerge, it leaves you surprised  and frustrated. Tiffany Chu, playing Leah, does a phenomenal job at portraying the internal and external emotions of her character, drawing you into the short and leaving you as heartbroken as her character.

The beautiful cinematography and scenery used throughout the film adds to the story telling element. Not only is it a masterpiece in social commentary, but it is a visual masterpiece too, a testimony to Giorgos Valsamis.

It isn’t surprising Yoon took home the Best Director award at the 2023 HollyShorts Film Festival! A brilliant film that deserves a place on the coveted OSCAR shortlist!

Margaret Brown