Movie poster image of “NAM JUNE PAIK: MOON IS THE OLDEST TV” (2023)
Nam June Paik is regarded as a pivotal figure in contemporary art history. The first documentary film about Nam June Paik, titled Nam June Paik: The Moon is the Oldest TV, was released on December 6.
Born in Seoul in 1932 and passing away in Miami in 2006, Nam June Paik is recognized as an important artist globally. However, various challenges such as copyright issues, extensive unorganized data, and difficulties in preserving artworks have contributed to the relatively limited awareness of his artistic world.
Korean-American director Amanda Kim spent over five years preparing and producing this documentary, addressing complex copyright issues through extensive efforts. The film includes the artist’s archive, footage, and interviews with global artists discussing the life and work of Nam June Paik.
Nam June Paik: The Moon is the Oldest TV was reviewed by various major media outlets, such as the Guardian, in 2023. The film garnered significant attention and praise internationally, being introduced at the Sundance Film Festival competition, the Tel Aviv International Documentary Film Festival competition, and the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival Special Premiere section. It was featured as the opening night film at MoMA Doc Fortnight. It received invitations to prestigious Korean film events like the DMZ International Documentary Film Festival.
Hollywood actor Steven Yeun performed the narration for the film, and the theme song was composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto, who shared a close friendship with Nam June Paik during his lifetime.
Nam June Paik, an artist, is renowned as a global figure in video art, a composer, and a pioneer in the avant-garde art movement. He is recognized for advancing the category of video art into a new realm of artistic expression.
