Dogwoof has picked up Amanda Kim’s documentary about contemporary artist Nam Joon Paik for worldwide sales, excluding North America and South Korea.
“Nam Joon Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV” is set for its world premiere at Sundance on Jan. 22 as part of the US Documentary Competition.
Pike, one of the most famous Asian artists of the 20th century, revolutionized the use of technology as an artistic canvas and invented the video synthesizer. He is credited with coining the term “electronic superhighway” for one of his most famous creations, which included more than 300 TV sets.
The film follows Pike’s life from childhood to traveling around the world. He fled his native Korea to Japan at the outbreak of the Korean War, settling in Germany and then New York City in 1964.
The film will include interviews and footage from David Bowie, Joseph Beuys, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Charlotte Moorman, Yoko Ono, Jonas Mekas, Allen Ginsberg, Andy Warhol, John Cage, Merce Cunningham, George Masiunas, Bad Brains and John Hanhardt.
The film marks the feature debut of Korean American director and producer Kim. A former creative director at Vice Media, she led the US video director for ID, Creators and Garage magazine. Kim also worked at Viceland and the Vice TV channel as a creative producer in an experimental incubator, where she directed a fast-paced production crew to test pilots and innovative content formats.
The deal for the documentary was negotiated between Dogwoof’s Chief Content Officer Ollie Harbot and David Coe on behalf of the filmmakers.
Harbottle said: “Nam Joon Paik’s legacy as one of the most visionary artists of the 20th century has continued to grow with a number of major exhibitions around the world in recent years. From a great wealth of material wealth, Amanda has woven a fascinating figure into a true pioneer whose prophetic vision is now a living reality for the modern world.
Producers Jennifer Stockman and David Coe added: “We are very excited to present this film internationally and to collaborate with Dogwoof. Nam Joon Paik was a pioneer who pushed the boundaries of art into the modern world. He is a hero of ours and his main story will stun and resonate with audiences around the world.
“Nam Joon Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV” is directed and produced by Amanda Kim; Edited by Taryn Gould; Produced by Stockman, Co., Amy Hobby, Mariko Monroe, and Jesse Wan. Executive producers include Kenzo Digital, Fab 5 Freddie, Steve Jang, Florence Sloan, “Minari” star Steven Yeun, and co-producers Heejung Oh and Alain de la Mata.
The original score is by Academy Award winner Ryuichi Sakamoto (“The Revenant”), the music is by Will Epstein, and Yun provides the narration.
