A suspenseful look at the lengths people will go to gain freedom, Beyond Utopia follows various individuals as they attempt to flee North Korea, one of the most oppressive places on Earth, a land they grew up believing was a paradise. At the film’s core is a mother desperate to reunite with the child she was forced to leave behind; a family of five — including small children and an elderly grandmother — embarking on a treacherous journey across the Yalu River and into the hostile mountains of China; and a man of God on a mission to help these desperate souls. Gripping, visceral, and urgent, Madeleine Gavin’s film embeds the viewer with these family members as they attempt their perilous escape, palpably conveying life-or-death stakes.
WHEN: Wednesday, November 1st
Hammer's courtyard restaurant, Lulu will be open for pre-screening drinks and bar bites.
TICKETING: There is no RSVP for this event. Admission is free. Your seat will be assigned to you at the box office upon arrival. Seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. One ticket per guest. The box office opens one hour before the event.
PARKING: Convenient self-parking is available under the museum. There is a $8 flat rate after 5 p.m. on weekdays. Parking entrances are located on the east side of Westwood Boulevard (northbound) or on the west side of Glendon Boulevard (southbound), between Wilshire Boulevard and Lindbrook Drive.
MEMBER BENEFIT: KCRW & Hammer members receive priority ticketing until 15 minutes before the program.