Today we’d like to introduce you to Hongwon Suh.
Hi Hongwon, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was originally born in South Korea, and I moved to Montreal, Canada, when I turned 14. There, I chose to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture at McGill University, a decision that profoundly influenced my life journey. It introduced me to a diverse array of individuals, including artists and professionals, broadening my perspectives through its multidisciplinary approach.
My trajectory led me to Los Angeles, where I got into a master’s program at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc). It was in this vibrant city that my creative endeavors flourished. Immersed in the community of diverse identities and backgrounds, each day became an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Eventually, I decided to extend my architectural thinking and dive deeper into the realm of filmmaking. Enrolling in SCI-Arc’s Post-Graduate program in Fiction & Entertainment, I embarked on a journey that would see myself evolve into an independent director and freelance CGI artist. Over the years, I’ve worked on a diverse range of projects spanning various formats, including films, music videos, fashion campaigns, commercials, documentaries, and installations. I’ve also teamed up with another like-minded friend from the program to co-found an artist collective, Krystal Vibration, where we make experimental works and host public events.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being a student in Los Angeles presented its fair share of challenges, particularly when it came to financial stability. Balancing the demands of my studies with the financial resources to support the cost of living has often felt like a struggle. On top of that, recent industry disruptions, such as the Hollywood strikes, have only added more problems.
Despite these obstacles, I’ve remained resilient, continuously seeking out opportunities to grow and adapt. While the job market may have been unstable in the wake of these challenges, I’ve remained optimistic, recognizing signs of improvement as the industry gradually rebounds. I’ve navigated these hurdles, emerging stronger and more determined to pursue my passions in filmmaking.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In my role as an independent director, I primarily focus on crafting bespoke visual experiences for clients, spanning music videos, commercials, and various commissioned projects. What sets my work apart is the fusion of my architectural background and relevant technical expertise with my directorial vision.
For instance, my upcoming music video “Invisible Room” for producer D.Sanders would be a good example. It’s a whimsical tale following a man in his twilight years who embarks on a surreal journey. He returns home from work, but instead of a regular house, he finds himself painting an invisible one, floating amidst the urban hustle. As his paint strokes reveal the contours of his unseen abode, the video unfolds in a poetic, slightly absurd fashion. To bring this concept to life, I collaborated with a team of set designers to construct the invisible house, painted it green, and set it against a green screen backdrop. By seamlessly blending live-action footage with cityscapes and CGI effects, we created a visually striking narrative that blurs the line between reality and imagination.
Another project close to my heart is “Harmoniam,” a sci-fi short film exploring themes of interconnectivity and self-discovery. Shot entirely on a handheld camera in the remote wilderness of San Luis Obispo, the film immerses viewers in a fictional tribal rite of passage experienced by the protagonist. With evocative costume design by Stephanie Ibarra and expert editing and color grading by Tara Rose, “Harmoniam” resonates as a testament to collaborative storytelling at its finest.
These projects exemplify my commitment to experiment with visual language while staying true to the essence of storytelling. By marrying my architectural sensibilities with a cinematic flair, I strive to deliver narratives that captivate, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’m thrilled to announce that my upcoming music video, “Invisible Room,” will be released in April 2024. Be sure to keep an eye out for its debut. Also, follow Krystal Vibration’s Instagram (@krystal_vibration) and stay tuned for exciting updates on our next events. We have some incredible plans in the works, and I’m eager to share them with you soon!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://directorwon.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/now_9_7/
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/hongwon-suh
Image Credits
Stephanie Ibarra
Saumil Upadhyay
Wei Ding
