Experiencing Interruptions?

English Tutor

A Korean university student takes on an unusual tutoring job and encounters a young child who refuses to write in English. As the tutor attempts to get to the root of the child's reluctance, she uncovers a shocking revelation about the child and her mother.

  • Jaho Koo
    Director
  • Jaho Koo
    Writer
  • Jongmin Jung
    Producer
  • Do Eun Lee
    Key Cast
    "Tutor"
  • Hye In Seo
    Key Cast
    "Mother"
  • Chae A Oh
    Key Cast
    "So-yeon"
  • Wonjo Paik
    Director of Photography
  • Minyoung Kim
    Production Designer
  • Soli Hong
    Production Designer
  • Jaho Koo
    Editor
  • Matt Somogyi
    Sound Designer
  • Jesse Payne
    VFX
  • Jade Lee
    Music
  • Jongmin Jung
    Assistant Director
  • Oh Jun Kwon
    Assistant Director
  • Eui Sung Song
    Camera Assistant
  • Yejun Yoon
    Camera Assistant
  • Neumreum Park
    Production Sound Mixer
  • Seunghak Lee
    Gaffer
  • Chung Won Seo
    Electrician
  • Ji-woon Kim
    Special Makeup
  • Cho-hyeon Kim
    Special Makeup
  • In-a Yoon
    Wardrobe
  • Sang-min Lee
    Special Effects Supervisor
  • Hyun-jun Kim
    Special Effects Assistant
  • Sang-kyun Park
    Special Effects Assistant
  • Jin Sung Park
    Digital Intermediate Supervisor
  • Seoung Rae Kim
    Digital Intermediate Colorist
  • Shin Hye Oh
    Digital Intermediate Assistant
  • Ji Yun Yun
    Digital Intermediate Assistant
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    과외 선생님
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Horror, Drama, Thriller
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 21 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 21, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    16,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Korea, Republic of
  • Country of Filming:
    Korea, Republic of
  • Language:
    Korean
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.85:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Bay of Blood Film Festival
    North Bay, Ontario
    Canada
    April 20, 2023
    World Premiere
    Best Short Film
  • Portland Horror Film Festival
    Portland, Oregon
    United States
    June 7, 2023
    U.S. Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Bucheon Fantastic International Film Festival
    Bucheon
    Korea, Republic of
    July 2, 2023
    Asian Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Fantasia International Film Festival
    Montreal, Quebec
    Canada
    July 26, 2023
    Quebec Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival
    Providence, Rhode Island
    United States
    Official Selection
  • Burbank International Film Festival
    Burbank, California
    United States
    September 24, 2023
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Jaho Koo

Jaho was born in Paris, France. He studied film production and directing in California and gained professional experience working on studio films, primarily in the action genre, in South Korea and Morocco. Jaho has a multicultural background, having lived in seven countries before the age of 19, and brings a unique perspective to his work, combining experiences from his travels with passion for genre filmmaking. Jaho's desire to merge Western and Korean storytelling styles is evident in his debut short film, "English Tutor," which he self-funded and directed.

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Director Statement

English Tutor is a film that delves into the disconnection between adults and children, highlighting the prevalent issue of not truly listening to one another, especially when it comes to children. Through an exaggerated allegory, the movie aims to portray the challenges a child faces in attempting to effectively communicate their thoughts and needs to an adult who should ideally provide nurturing support. By utilizing the backdrop of English lessons, the film takes an ironic approach to convey the significance of communication.