Private Project

DPRK: The Land of Whispers

North Korea lies somewhere between a 1930′s Soviet Union frozen in time and a dark, futuristic vision of society... as imagined back in the 70′s.

"Land of Whispers" invites you to visit arguably the most unique and isolated travel destination in the world - not to criticize, but to observe and listen. Aside from usual highlights such as Pyongyang or Arirang, this unique one-man documentary brings you to areas such as Chongjin or Wonson, still virtually unknown to even google or wikipedia. There, I attempt to pierce through the ever-present 'national mythology' and as much as possible, I try to connect with people - such as the waitress mesmerized by tablet computers, or a tour guide cautiously fascinated by modern pop culture.

* Third World Indie Film Festival 2013 (San Francisco, USA) / Best Feature Documentary *
* Utopia Film Festival 2013 (Greenbelt, USA) / Official Selection *
* Global Peace Film Festival 2013 (Orlando, FL, USA) / Official Selection *
* Jayu: The North Korean Human Rights Film Festival 2013 (Canada) / Official Selection *

  • Matt Dworzanczyk
    Director
  • Matt Dworzanczyk
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature, Web / New Media
  • Genres:
    Travel Documentary
  • Runtime:
    58 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    March 29, 2013
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Viet Nam
  • Country of Filming:
    Korea, Democratic People's Republic of
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    HD
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Third World Indie Film Festival 2013
    San Francisco
    United States
    October 1, 2013
    Best Feature Documentary
  • Utopia Film Festival 2013
    Greenbelt
    United States
    October 13, 2013
    Official Selection
  • Global Peace Film Festival 2013
    Orlando
    United States
    October 13, 2013
    Official Selection
  • Jayu: The North Korean Human Rights Film Festival 2013

    Canada
    October 13, 2013
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Matt Dworzanczyk

Born in then-communist Poland, educated in the USA, with his home being Vietnam, his recent base in Berlin and with worldwide work & life experience, Matt is an international director with numerous film, TV & video productions behind his belt.

His North Korea documentary, “Land of Whispers,” won awards at international festivals. His “Love Market,” a first-ever cinematic portrayal of Vietnam’s unknown ethnic minorities - reached millions of viewers online. Matt’s experimental-fantasy-documentary “Artist Police,” a true story of a censorship police officer turned artist extraordinaire, has been adapted into a live show following the film’s release!

Matt’s heart & roots have always been in directing narrative film, but he is also an experienced screenwriter & documentary producer, interested in themes of childhoods, dreams, social isolation, drugs and existentialism.

When not working - Matt likes to disappear among nature - ideally on his motorbike, in some faraway corner of the planet.

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