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ABOUT

PERSONAL MESSAGE

John Seongho Choi 최성호 (he/him)

As a Canadian filmmaker with South Korean roots, my personal journey has deeply influenced my artistic vision. My work focuses on stories that promote equality and diversity, reflecting the rich tapestry of our world. I recognize the privilege I have as a Canadian, a privilege built on historical injustices against Indigenous peoples. This awareness drives me to actively fulfill my treaty obligations and recognize the original stewards of this land. Reconciliation starts with acknowledging the truth of our past; it's the foundation of racial justice.

In today's fast-paced world, information flows faster than ever. Our smartphones hold immense power, and I believe we must use this power responsibly to amplify marginalized voices and promote social change.

Recently, I had the privilege of speaking at the CRTC's "The Path Forward" hearings in Ottawa. Sharing the stage with respected organizations like the Canadian Independent Screen Fund (CISF), BIPOC TV & Film, Black Screen Office (BSO), Racial Equality Screen Office (REMC), and Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) was a humbling experience. It highlighted the importance of working together to advocate for fair representation in Canadian media.

Storytelling is a powerful way to build empathy and understanding. It reminds us of our shared humanity and our ability to connect. As I continue to develop my own voice as a filmmaker, I'm committed to creating stories that challenge stereotypes, spark conversation, and contribute to a fairer and more equal society.

My journey as a storyteller is always evolving; it's a process of constant learning and growth. I'm excited to see where this path takes me and the stories that will unfold along the way.

Sincerely,

jsc

BIOGRAPHY

John Seongho Choi 최성호 (he/him)

John Seongho Choi, a Canadian-South Korean filmmaker, kicked off his career after getting his Fine Arts degree from York University in Toronto. He moved to New York City in 1992 and started as a stills photographer assistant, working with photographers like TV fashion director Ken Nahoum. His work included photo and film shoots for TV commercial productions, giving John his first taste of a film set.

He then moved into the motion picture film industry, joining the ARRI Motion Picture Company NYC equipment rental house Camera Service Center (CSC). After learning the ropes of film equipment and cameras, he went freelance as a camera assistant/focus puller, joining I.A.T.S.E. Local 644 East Coast Camera Union in 1996. As the union merged into Local 600 The International Cinematographers Guild, John worked on film productions in NYC and around the world, including big names like "Godzilla," "In Dreams," "54," "The Bone Collector," "28 Days," "Hurricane," "The Out Of Towners," and "O Brother Where Art Thou?"

The New York film community gave him chances to work with top-notch crew members and Directors of Photography. In commercials, John worked globally with directors and DOPs. He eventually signed with L.A. artists representation The Skouras Agency in 2004 as Director of Photography.

John moved back to Toronto in 2005 and collaborated on numerous music videos for bands MSTRKRFT, Cadence Weapon, Sloan, Metric, Blue Rodeo, Jim Cuddy, Kathleen Edwards, Great Lake Swimmers, Lights, Wintersleep, and many more. John started Playground Films in 2006 and released his first feature documentary film “LOST & FOUND”, which was part of the popular Hot Docs Film Festival “The Forum” (2013) and received the Rogers Documentary Fund. The project was co-produced by Shaw Media, NHK Japan, and SBS Australia, and is now streaming on CBC Gem. The film captures stories about beachcombers finding tsunami debris washing up on shore in North America from the 2011 Japan Tōhoku Earthquake and Tsunami disaster. John also directed the CBC POV “SPACEMAN” tv documentary film, which dives into the sub-cult story of Canada’s west coast Vancouver Island UFO phenomenons and the mechanical genius Grainger Taylor, who disappeared after leaving a note to his parents that he would return after a 42-month interstellar journey.

John Seongho Choi, a member of the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC), is a critical thinker who believes in the power of film to inspire positive societal change. He is a dedicated advocate for diversity, equality and inclusion within the film industry and all sectors work and play. He actively engages with new and emerging film directors through mentorship and guidance, and participates in programs such as the Hot Docs/Netflix Accelerator Program. His advocacy work includes contributing to the DOC Institute - 2022 Creative Producers Accelerator Think Tank (CPATT), where he helped create a federal report highlighting systemic discrimination against marginalized BIPOC & disabled groups in the film industry. John has also served as a guest panel member and jury for the 2022 DMZ Industry Docs Film Festival, jury for 2022 Tokyo Docs Documentary Film Festival and jury for 2024 Hot Docs Festival in the category for International Feature Documentary.

JOHN SEONGHO CHOI is an award-winning Canadian Korean filmmaker with over 25 years of experience as a filmmaker. His work has been featured on major platforms such as Netflix Originals, Prime, YouTube Originals, CBC, NHK Japan, SBS Australia, and more. Throughout his career, John has worked on a wide range of projects, from independent films to Hollywood studio productions, commercials, and music videos. He is passionate about filmmaking and brings a unique, authentic, and meaningful perspective to every project.

John's directorial accomplishments were recognized with the 2024 Canadian Screen Award for Best Direction - Documentary Series for "DARK SIDE OF COMEDY." His other recent projects include the A&E series "THE ELEVEN," CBC Docs POV "SPACEMAN," and feature documentaries "LOST & FOUND," "K-POP EVOLUTION," and the Netflix Original series "THE RAINCOAT KILLER."

THANK YOU