The Korean War, also known as “The Forgotten War”, has never been told from the perspective of children. Our mission is to help all people around the world to understand and learn the history of the 16 nations that came together to fight in this conflict.

The Story

There has never been a film about the Korean War told from the perspective of children. We feel now is the time to reach audiences with this story because of recent wars around the world, and the trauma of young children being abandoned, kidnapped, or worse, losing their life. These types of traumas have been experienced throughout history and are still relevant today. It is important to foster the voices of young children who have been impacted by war and to honor their loss or survival. It is critical that we tell this story now because the previous generations who lived through the war is leaving us and our mission is to preserve the historical and cultural significance for future generations to come. Children of War will establish their legacy so they will not be forgotten. We are also very honored and excited to have Tony Eldridge (“The Equalizer”; “The Naked Truth”) on board as an Executive Producer.

Children of War is inspired by a true story of a young boy, Young Il and his band of orphans as they navigate the chaos and devastation of the Korean War. When the communist North invaded the South in 1950, families were torn apart and these young children were suddenly abandoned and left to survive the streets. The anguish these orphans experienced shattered their innocence but not their hope. We follow Young Il and his 3 friends as they beg US Soldiers for candy, stole food from vendors, slept in burned out buildings, and doing whatever they needed to stay alive with the hope of one day reuniting with their families.

Young Il decides one day to search for his mother and journeys to his Aunt’s house but to his shocking surprise, he discovers his Mother is remarried with 2 young boys. The emotional gravity of betrayal that he feels leaves him stunned. But rather than confronting his Mother, he flees the scene and runs back to his friends which he feels is now his newfound family. He especially finds comfort with Mi Sook, whom he has grown to love and trust through their journey together. Suddenly there is another unexpected surprise, an artillery shell hits their hideout causing the orphans to take cover and run for their lives not realizing Mi Sook is left behind, stuck in the rubble. When Young Il looks back and sees her, he feels conflicted and torn with a grave decision: Does he risk his life to save her or does he run to safety where his friends beckon him to come.

Every human shares a vulnerable voice of having survived internal wars at home or within ourselves. As a diverse team of filmmakers, our passion is to tell this story through the innocent eyes of children which captures the resilience of the human spirit, the fight for survival and the power of hope.

This story in itself is a battle cry.

Our plan is to immediately go into pre-production and complete shooting within 8-12 weeks within reaching our production budget. Because this is a period film, costumes, artillery and historical setting is the predominate reason for our budget.

What We Need & What You Get

We are raising $150K to recreate war-torn 1950s Korea, and capture that time period with authenticity in the film. We will also be donating a portion of what we raise to a partnered charity that helps orphans in war-ravaged countries.

As a thank you, we have arranged a number of packages and perks for donors to our film. These include:

• VIP tickets for two to attend the film’s red carpet premiere event, including exclusive access to the after-party with the cast and crew
• A private VIP dining experience at a top-rated Korean BBQ restaurant with the film’s director and select cast members.
• Limited edition journal filled with behind-the-scenes photos, concept art, and handwritten notes from the cast and crew.
• Customized “Director’s Cut” package including a signed storyboard print from a pivotal scene in the film and a personalized thank-you video message from the director.
• Digital downloads of behind-the-scenes footage & the film’s soundtrack.
• and many, many more!

The Impact

We feel the timing is right to make this film.  We realize the previous generation that lived through the Korean War is rapidly passing away…and feel urgently that now is the time to make this short film to honor and remember a generation of survivors.  As a film, we are actively partnering with adoption agencies that are specifically aiding Korean orphans, or have a focus on reuniting adoptees with their biological families.  We are also partnering with an Asia Pacific media company as well as reaching out to Korean radio stations and news outlets here in the US and in Korea to bring awareness to this film.

We want to build a legacy for all who survived and fought in the Korean War.  This is to build a bridge between generations and cultures as we currently face over 10,000 wars around the globe.  We often forget the countless children and orphans who are caught up in the fighting.  It’s important to remember these children because they are the future, and they carry and continue legacy and establish culture.

Risks & Challenges

It’s a big ask, but as a passionate, talented and diverse group of filmmakers, we believe its possible.