Opia (2016) | Paul H Kim

Opia n. the ambiguous intensity of looking someone in the eye, which can feel simultaneously invasive and vulnerable—their pupils glittering, bottomless and opaque—as if you were peering through a hole in the door of a house, able to tell that there’s someone standing there, but unable to tell if you’re looking in or looking out. This is a personal film for me. It shows my personal struggle with identity. For a long time, I didn't know where I belonged or who I was. I wasn't sure whether to act "normal" or show the world who I really was. I didn't want to separate my dark side from the light. Most people would want to just show the light, but for me, you're lying to yourself and to others when you do that. People always told me, "Be realistic with your life. Don't follow filmmaking as a career. There's no guarantee." That might true, but at least I feel alive, free and happy doing it. I know some people won't understand me as a person. I know some people will be jealous of me following my dream. I know some people will think I will fail in following my dream. If I do, I failed better than most. I know what I do in film and how I act in person will offend some people, but remember this: Just because you're offended, doesn't make you right.