Flying Film Festival Presents PAINTER & MUM Film Review — The Power of Art

“What made you happy?”

“Being young.”

With a blue pastel in hand, Young-mi Kim converses with her mother as they draw together. Her aging mother, Konyae Hoer, scribbles with a bright orange pastel. Burdened with health concerns, including dementia, she struggles through portions of their conversation, especially when asked about her memories. As she colors, though, her shaking hands become steadier. Konyae Hoer answers her daughter’s questions with good humor and concentration, showcasing her strength and love for her daughter. As they color with pastels, mother and daughter tease each other and laugh. In moments like these, grief lifts from mortality a little.

Directors Young-mi Kim and Forest Ian Etsler tell a compelling story in Painter & Mum, coupling the creation of art with the heartbreak of mortality. The colors in this 10-minute short film create an atmosphere of warmth and gentleness, despite their morbid reality. As samples of Young-mi Kim’s artwork flickers on the screen, we come to understand why she finds comfort in art. After a devastating childhood, art is her lifesaver.