Seoul Train

Seoul Train is the gripping documentary exposé into the life-and-death struggle faced by North Korean refugees as they flee their homeland through China. Seoul Train combines vérité and hidden camera footage with personal stories and interviews to reveal the harrowing journey attempted by some 250,000 North Koreans, whose refugee status is not recognized by China. Their clandestine escape covers hundreds of miles of Chinese territory via an “underground railroad” of safe houses and hidden routes. The refugees — and the activists that help them — face imprisonment and possibly execution if captured and returned to North Korea. With rare and candid interviews with U.N., U.S., South Korean and Chinese officials, Seoul Train skillfully explores the geopolitical forces behind this crisis — with a human face.

Independent Lens on PBS

Directed by Jim Butterworth, Lisa Sleeth, and Aaron Lubarsky

*2007 Winner, Alfred I. duPont – Columbia University Silver Baton for excellence in broadcast journalism

*2007 Runner-Up, National Journalism Awards

*2005 Winner, Award for Best Human Rights Documentary, Artivist Film Festival

*2005 Winner, Jury Award for Best Editing, Milan International Film Festival

*2005 Winner, Jury Award for Best Documentary, Boulder International Film Festival