Daily Inspiration: Meet Joohee Oh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joohee Oh

Hi Joohee, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My introduction to media and film came through a friend who was working on a short web series exploring queer and feminist experiences. They invited me to join the project as an assistant director, knowing I was highly organized and detail-oriented. Curious about what it would be like to work on a film set, I accepted—and it turned out to be a life-changing experience. Helping bring that series to completion opened the door to the profound joy of supporting artists, uplifting untold narratives, and contributing to a more inclusive media industry.

This initial exposure ignited a deeper passion for storytelling and film, inspiring me to get involved in film festivals. Over time, I took on various roles at festivals and screening series such as Creatively Speaking, the Film Festival for Women’s Rights, and the Seoul Independent Film Festival. These experiences helped me see how art and advocacy are intrinsically connected. Recognizing the media’s potential to drive impact, I decided to focus my career on harnessing film as a vehicle for advocacy.

This commitment led me to co-found PrideFull, a New York-based festival spotlighting innovative films centering LGBTQIA2S+ people of color. We organize annual film festivals, stand-alone community screenings and gatherings, and virtual panels, reaching audiences in New York and across the U.S. Thankfully, attendees have described PrideFull to be one of the most accessible and thoughtful festivals they’ve experienced and shared that our program resonates with their lived experiences.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like many nonprofit festivals, PrideFull has encountered its fair share of hurdles. Specifically, for me as a festival director, one of the most challenging yet fulfilling tasks is crafting the film lineup. While we receive submissions through platforms like FilmFreeway, I also dedicate significant time to exploring international film festivals, seeking out hidden treasures—films that may not have been shown in the U.S. but are a perfect fit for our audience. Deciding which films make the final lineup is never easy, but our programming team thoughtfully curates selections that are powerful and deeply resonate with our community.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I not only specialize in film curating and creating spaces for underrepresented voices but also always try to combine my passion for advocacy with my expertise in marketing. Whether it’s crafting a thoughtful film lineup, strategizing creative marketing campaigns, or organizing community-driven events, I aim to build meaningful experiences that resonate with audiences and filmmakers alike.

I feel the magic of PrideFull when I see a theater filled with engaged, joyful audiences, or hear insightful conversations and empowering comments sparked by the films we showcase after the screenings. Ultimately, PrideFull is about creating a space where art, activism, and community come together. As we continue to grow, I’m excited to amplify more voices and bring more stories to new audiences in the years ahead.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’ve often found help and advice simply by researching professionals in the field and reaching out. When I was first preparing for the launch of PrideFull, I looked up LGBTQ+ festival programmers and organizers online. I emailed them a brief introduction and a request for a short meeting to learn about their experience. To my surprise, many were incredibly generous with their time and advice, and their insights became the building blocks of PrideFull. Once you try it, you’ll be amazed at how many people are willing to support someone new in the field. I’m deeply grateful to those who shared their knowledge, and I aspire to pay it forward—which is one of the reasons I’m sharing my story here!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pridefull.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pridefullfilm/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrideFullFilm
• Twitter: https://x.com/PrideFullFilm
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PrideFullFilm

Image Credits
Rom Choi, Maria Lee, Chen Xiangyun, Guava Rhee