Namoo is Oscar-nominated director Erick Oh’s latest—indeed, most personal—film. The name translates to “tree” and Korean and serves as the visual metaphor for the story of a man’s life through birth, joy, disaster, love, loss, and death. What’s interesting about Oh’s film is its combination of hand-painted imagery and computer animation using state-of-the-art software and real-time technology. The result is a film that is, at once, tender and devastating, urging personal introspection of what one’s own tree of life looks like.
The film is produced by multiple Emmy-winner Baobab Studios and executive produced by actor John Cho. In our interview below, Oh talks about being “inspired by how [Cho] has been making his presence as an Asian/Korean actor in Hollywood” and the “honor” of his joining the Namoo team.
Namoo has been making its festival rounds and, in fact, recently played at this year’s HollyShorts Film Festival. Of the film’s future and his own, Oh says: “I’ll continue challenging myself to become a better artist and filmmaker.” If Namoo is anything to go by, Oh is definitely one to watch out for.
Before we get into Namoo, I wonder if you might tell us about your own filmmaking / artistic journey? Where did it all start for you?
I grew up as a huge animation and cartoon fan. I was that one kid in the classroom who was always drawing and doodling. Then I went to art school and film school where I was able to learn the basics of art and cinema. Then I got very lucky to get into Pixar and that was how my professional career started. Since then, I never stopped making films to tell my own story and here I am.
One of the most interesting aspects about your film is how it’s fundamentally hand-painted and then brought together digitally. What was the inspiration behind this approach to the film? And what was the creation process like?
Namoo was all about the spiritual journey into yourself. I wanted something very organic and handmade feeling to support this heartfelt story and message. But at the same time, it had to also carry realistic and 3 dimensional experience, which inspired me to use the medium of VR. Together, I was able to create something very unique and warm. We used VR animation software Quill, developed by Oculus to achieve the look.
I understand that Namoo was a tribute to your grandfather. I’m sorry for your loss! It feels very personal, and you capture the story of a life-journey so beautifully. Was your grandfather a fan of films as well? What do you think his reaction would have been to Namoo?
The story of Namoo isn’t exactly about my grandfather. It’s a story I wrote based on things he taught me through his own life. He was an educator who dedicated his whole life to make the society and world brighter and his outlook on life has been my guiding star till today. I actually don’t remember him as a movie fan or storyteller. But he was the one who continued encouraging me to follow my dream so I’m very sure that he’ll love every second and minute of Namoo if he was able to watch it…
John Cho has recently signed on as an executive producer for the film–congratulations! What does it mean to you to have John join the Namoo family?
I’ve been his fan since I was very young! I’ve been especially inspired by how he has been making his presence as an asian/Korean actor in Hollywood. It is a huge honor to have John resonate with this film and for us to get to work together on this. I’m sure that they will be a lot we can share together with the world.
Borrowing your film’s final images: what, in that final moment where you’re sitting atop your tree as it ascends to the stars, would you like to see and/or feel?
Two things I guess. First, I can see myself mesmerized by the beautiful enchanting view in front
of me. It’s a celebration of life. It would be the moment that you’ll be able to tell yourself that it was a good life after all… Second of all, I also see millions of other stars around me. They are all beautiful and I won’t feel so alone.
HollyShorts is an incredible platform for short films and filmmakers. What does it mean for you to have Namoo‘s LA premiere here? How will you be celebrating?
LA is definitely my 2nd home in my heart. I grew up in Korea but I first came to LA for my study at UCLA. So having a premiere in LA is already special on a very personal level. It is my huge honor and pleasure to experience it through HollyShorts, one of the best film festivals in California.
What’s next for you? And where can viewers follow you and your work?
I’ll continue challenging myself to become a better artist and filmmaker. I’m currently working on new projects but all in different mediums. I can’t wait to share soon. Meanwhile, please follow my work via my IG @erickoheart and Facebook Erick Oh.
