[Editorial] Director Daeil Kim Talks Capturing American Culture

To those living outside of the United States, the looming threat of constant mass shootings may parallel the fear felt while watching a modern day horror film. While these films might explore the threat of haunted houses or an eerie graveyard, the audience knows they can simply turn off their television to avoid the threat. However, director Daeil Kim wrote and directed his first feature-length film, White Demise, on a kind of fear that can’t just be turned off - because it seems to be lurking around every corner. The psychological-thriller explores the complex nature of gun violence in U.S. culture. Kim sat down to discuss the culture shock that shaped his film following his move to the United States

Growing up in South Korea, Kim did not see a handgun until he moved to the United States in 2016. He vividly recalls his first interaction with a firearm, which inspired him to pursue the topic of gun violence.

“I had never seen a gun before moving to the United States. The culture around them was really shocking to me. I still remember how it felt in my hand,” Kim said. “The whole experience triggered me into writing this story that tried to challenge the audience in the same way that I had been. There’s just so much power right in your hand, and people forget that.”

Kim immigrated to the U.S. from Seoul, South Korea to attend film school. After graduating from college, he founded Xylograph Films - an independent production company based out of Western New York. Kim and his team have created 10 short films, along with multiple commercials and music videos. 

White Demise follows Sam (Kelly MacDougall), a devoted caretaker to her chronically ill child, and the journey she goes on after a mysterious life-saving bullet ends her daughter’s life. She goes in search of “white bullets” that can bring her daughter back, but must work alongside the man responsible for her death. Kim wrote and directed the film, which was shot in only nine days.

While the main plot follows a standard crime-thriller story, Kim mixes in different fantasy elements. Even though the story might not divulge into battles between wizards or supernatural entities, Kim chose to personify the bullets and turn them into sentient characters. Dash (Logan Spaschak) and Anessa (Yasmine Georgia) are depicted as if they’re trapped within the barrel on the gun, communicating and morally guiding the gun wielder. 

“We believe the concept is original. It’s a good blend of emotions and personalities coming together,” Kim said. “I’ve always been drawn to the freedom on fantasy, but fantasy that’s grounded in reality. I’m not interested in making Harry Potter, but fantasy that’s based in reality just feels right with my storytelling.”

While the film is framed around Sam’s experiences, it doesn’t necessarily side with her and her emotional journey. Kim emphasized the importance of providing a neutral, unbiased perspective on the concept of guns that can give and take away life. Kim wanted to draw parallels between his interpretation of mass gun violence and the idea that firearms can be utilized to save people.

Kim cites films like Being John Malkovich (1999) and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) as inspiration for his storytelling technique. As a director, writer, editor and producer, he finds himself mirroring esteemed director David Lynch as a jack-of-all-trades. 

“After studying film for so long, I find myself inspired by the way - these directors - tell stories. The director's job is to create a perfect balance between things we can comprehend and the different fantasy elements that they explore,” Kim said. “No one ever questions the science behind Eternal Sunshine because it’s written so well and feels so grounded.” 

Although Kim has found relative commercial success with his production company, the distribution deal with Gravitas Ventures introduces new opportunities to share his work with a wider audience. He plans on continuing to make films with his production company, and eventually relocate to an area with more opportunities to expand.

“My film is for the audience, and I can only hope they end up finding it. I know arthouse film lovers will have the eye to appreciate the story, but general popcorn-movie lovers will also be able to enjoy the film,” Kim said. “The story is packed with emotion, so you won’t ever be bored.”

Read my thoughts on White Demise here, which looks into the composition, performances, and plot of the film. White Demise is available in the U.S. on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and DVD. 

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