"Korea Dreambus" Pilgrimage and Documentary Film

The night of screening Korea Dreambus: A Journey of Faith, the Buffalo Bills were playing the Denver Broncos in hopes of going to the Super Bowl, and we were being hit with dangerous whiteout snow conditions.  I was hoping we might get 25-30 people in; we were set up for forty. Madonna in Korean Hanbok (traditional dress) I arrived early to help my friend from St. Bernard's (with his daughter, who helped us get ready) set up coffee service and some cookies from Leo's Bakery. I hung some posters on the doors, and then I spent some time with Jesus in the chapel. I prayed that "whoever needs to see this film will come," and I left it at that.  When the first attendees arrived, I met them at the door and welcomed them in. I could see people coming up the walkway, and my nervousness melted into gratitude. And then they kept coming...and coming and coming. I greeted everyone with a growing feeling of humility that this many people would come to see my little movie. People ...

Grounds of Eonyang Catholic Church, Ulsan One year ago today, I was inflight to my pilgrimage in S. Korea. It doesn't seem like a year has gone by. The pilgrimage is alive in my mind, heart and soul with the making of the film. I am grateful, again, for the immense blessing that was and is that pilgrimage to such holy places. Another opportunity has arisen regarding the musical score. The composer that I had hired a few months ago has had to drop out of the project. It happens. Schedules and priorities sometimes shift and collide. But this has brought me back to what I'd wanted to do in the first place for this soundtrack.  When I cut the trailer together in order to apply for the artists' grant from Genesee Valley Council on the Arts , I'd used some beautiful and appropriate music I found on a royalty free site. I have really always heard that music as my soundtrack, but thought I "should" hire someone instead. I've gone back to those tracks - all of whic...

I finished my rough assemble edit yesterday morning. It seemed like I'd relived the entire trip during the last 2.5 weeks of editing - just about the same amount of time I was on pilgrimage, in fact. As I was editing, I drew more and more from footage and photos that I hadn't sent over to my editor, so this afternoon I had to get all that into Dropbox for him to grab, as well as some re-recorded voice over track. Now Derrick, my editor, can get to work on a more complete rough cut with effects, titles, transitions, and sound work. Likewise, Terry the composer can work on the soundtrack. The film is coming in around 50 minutes, which I expect will remain the same in the fine cut because many stills are going to be layered and moved a bit, and then titles will be added at the end. That's my goal - keep it at 50 minutes. With this large piece of work behind me, I need to focus on the ESOL class I'm teaching at the local community college. Classes start... tomorrow at 9 a.m...

I'm closing in on the last third of my rough assemble edit. What is that, exactly? It's my selected video and photos placed in the timeline with the rough voice over, but without clean edits, transitions, sfx, music, sound mix, etc. It's been a bit stressful with other summer obligations and the rising reality of a new school year about to begin. I took some PTO and carved out five whole days to pound away at this in the middle of August. And then, on day three.... tested positive for Covid.  Really right now?  I worked through fever and coughing to get something done, and thankfully the symptoms only lasted a couple days. I pushed through and am bound to complete this rough/assemble edit by the end of this week, now that I'm fully over the lingering Covid fatigue. The next stage will be sending this to both Derrick the editor and Terry and composer so that they can begin their respective tasks. I know I'll be revising the script and will then re-record a good quali...

I'm over the moon that L.A.-based composer Terry Taegwoo has agreed to work with me on the score to Korea Dreambus! You can listen to some of his sample tracks on his website. Terry has composed for film and television, and he currently works for Bear McCreary's studio, Sparks and Shadows.  So far Terry and I seem to be on the same page regarding the use of Korean folk music -- specifically Arirang -- as well as choral music in the film. Some of the sections are more about the martyr saints, others are about my pilgrimage, and still others are pure reflections, so there will be a couple of themes to work through those sections. Ulsan's JinHa Beach area, Sept. 2024 Summer spins by so fast. I have, in fact, decided to move the screening date to Jan. 17, 2026. The film will still be finished by the end of this year, but I realized that a Nov. 1 screening date just wasn't feasible. If I didn't have two or three other jobs and was 100% focused on this film 100% of the ti...

I'm just about wrapped up at the high school where I teach. By this time next week, I'll be done, and that means that Korea Dreambus editing will be my main focus (after my job at the paper). The editor, Derrick, has the footage that I organized, so now I'll be diving into creating an assemble edit with some copious notes.  I'm also looking for a composer at the moment - someone who understands something about Korean culture and traditional music, even if the score isn't completely traditional-sounding. I'm hoping for a mix of traditional sounds and instrumentation (or approximation thereof) along with melodies that will resonate with the themes of the film, which revolve around the martyrs themselves and the personal reflections I'll be making. Speaking of which, writing the script for the narration will also be on my platter this summer.  I'm planning a small vacation to my homeland (Massachusetts) at the end of the month, otherwise, it's going to ...

Today has been a day of "little wins."  First, I figured out how to import my files into DaVinci without having to reformat! Also - realizing it's much better for me to select my clips and name the files before I import them. For now, I'm only renaming the clips I think I will use, and I'm starting with the video clips. I'll get to photos later, because with those I'll want to do something more dynamic, and only if/when there's not suitable video. I spent Easter Sunday being home sick, and while I'm feeling better today, I've still had to nap and take it easy. But with God's grace, I've been able to work on this film, so that's a little win of the day. Sanctuary of Yangnam church And this little win is really big, and points to the theme of my pilgrimage (God's never-ending providence):  I was typing up my paper edit with all the notes, but I couldn't remember the name of one of the churches I went to, one that wasn't on...

Incredible though it seems, it's been a month and a half since I returned from Korea. Until now, I've actively avoided writing on this blog or engaging in a serious perusal of the media I captured on the pilgrimage for three reasons:   1. I had quite a sit-rep presented to me when I got home, requiring me to sort out my housing in a hurry. It has all been settled now; I am getting a new housemate as of Jan. 1st. God be praised! 2. The backlog of catch up work and future planning for my teaching job was staring me down, and since this is the first time I've taught these three theology classes, there is heavy prep that requires intense intellectual focus and time. I also had to get my head back in the game for my writing job, which felt easier and more natural since I've been doing that job for over a year.  3. I just wasn't ready.  Let me unpack that third statement a bit. Lotte Department Store, Ulsan, S. Korea When I first got back, the jet lag was more than just a...

School has started, so I have a lot of work to do between now and my departure for Korea: seating charts, assignments, and lesson plans for my subs. I have to say--it was wonderful to be back in the classroom. I didn't realize how much I missed it. I feel very at home at Chesterton Academy of Rochester. Meantime, however, I'm working to get my stories filed for the paper ahead of the normal deadlines so that my editor can read them, and I can make any necessary revisions before I leave. Today I filed the longer of the two stories I'm working on, so that felt good. Souvenirs from my visit in 2007 including my old Tmoney card I've been compiling my list of nitty gritty to do before the pilgrimage trip. Things like making sure I know where to get my Tmoney card - although I think I'll be getting a Korea Tour Card which provides the transpo function of a Tmoney card plus discounts to various sites. I have to do a little more research there. Also have to get an Esim for ...

Two weeks from today, I'll be on my way to Korea. I just met a co-worker (one of the generous donors  for this pilgrimage film) in the hallway a few minutes ago. He asked me what my current thoughts of hope and anxiety were leading up to the trip. I replied that everything is hopeful, actually, and I don't really carry any anxiety. I guess I hadn't thought about it until he asked.  Erie Canal, Fairport, NY In these two weeks before my departure, the school year is starting, which means my three classes of high school theology will be a prime focus for me, including devising three weeks of lesson plans for my subs while I'm away. I also have early deadlines for my newspaper job since I'll be gone for production week. And I will be submitting my application to the GVCA for a grant to help make the film. It's a lot, to be honest.  But you know what? I'm not anxious. I feel grounded, capable, focused, and above all, hopeful.  This is a new experience for me. Fo...

In the last couple of days, I have been able to connect with a Korean seminarian who will help me visit the pilgrimage sites in Seoul, and the sister of a Korean-American friend of mine here who will meet me in Seoul. It's coming together! It's starting to feel real. After booking my hotel in Ulsan, I realized the reality I'm about to encounter. What a gift from God!  This morning in Adoration, I spent some time refining and writing out my personal prayer intentions. I'll be going to Adoration as much as I can between now and then for everything I have going on - the pilgrimage trip, my short film Souled , and my new teaching job. I continue to pray to the Blessed Mother for protection, assistance and inspiration. She sure never lets me down!

It's less than a month before I depart for Korea. I've booked all my hotels and have been in contact with friends old and new to help me get to where I need to be.  I've also updated the budget with an exciting opportunity to apply for grant funding from the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts! I thought it would be good to link to the trailer again, since it's been awhile. Check it out on Patreon (it's free to watch!) I'm starting to gear up for teaching the school year as well as working on the sound track to my short film, Souled , so there is ever so much to do. Most importantly, I've been refining my pilgrimage intentions to bring with me. Please be sure to let me know if you have an intention for prayer you would like me to bring.

I've finally locked in the piece of my itinerary that was giving me the most trouble:  finding a place to stay in the Seosan/Dangjin area where the shrines in Haemi and Solmoe are located.  This morning I booked two nights at a traditional Korean house (hanok) in Seosan called Gyeamgotaek . I booked on Expedia and got a discount ( 아싸!) . I'll just have to work out how to get around that area; I suspect it will be a combination of taxi (very cheap in Korea) and bus (also very cheap). I'm happy to present an overview of my itinerary with a map to help you visualize where these places are. Note that I haven't marked every single place I'll be going; these are the general areas where I'll be traveling and staying. Please note that so far I've been able to book everything on Expedia. I may have to use other apps once I get to Korea, but for now, I'm extremely grateful this is working! 9/17 - 9/18:  Flying into Incheon  9/18 - 9/23:   Seoul and environs (Myeo...

Pardon the kitchen counter! This morning I charged up my DJI Osmo Pocket II and battery handle to start taking some test runs with it. I may edit something together with that footage, as nonsensical as it is.  In the photo at right, you see my small backpack and the gear bag. To the far right on the counter is the handle/stick with the cradle for the Osmo and the clamp for the iPhone, which serves as a monitor. Just to the left of that is the camera itself, with its "hood" on to project the lens.  Every time I put the hood on it, I think of a hawk. Nestled into the gear bag are cables, the microphone and its accessories, and the SD and microSD cards and card reader. The photos below show the gear back packed and closed. By the way, the entire camera, microphone and accessories package was generously supplied by a local filmmaker, my friend Nate, who sold this to me for far less than I would've paid on Amazon or any other used camera outlet. Filmmakers supporting filmmake...

Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse as seen in my local pilgrimage meditation video on Patreon Thank you for checking in again.  Please head over to my Patreon page and become a member to see my local Marian pilgrimage video! Blogger won't accommodate the videos I'm creating, but  Patreon will and allows far more organization and easy access. Right now I'm placing most videos in the "Free Membership" category, but later, there will be other content in the Paid Membership tier, as well. Patreon is a great way to share these videos, and you will be notified in your email as soon as I post anything there, which makes it easier to see what I'm doing. I'd love to share more behind-the-scenes musings as well as camera trials and experimental bits and pieces in advance of my pilgrimage to Korea. Then when I return, I will be able to upload clips from the footage I collect there and update on the editing process. So, in other words dear readers, it's worth it to j...

Two months from today, I'll be boarding a plane at Rochester International Airport bound for Detroit, then on to Incheon. Since Korea is 13 hours ahead of EDT, I'll be arriving on Sept. 18, at 5:20 p.m.  My flight to Detroit has changed twice since I purchased the ticket in May, but only for a slightly longer layover. "More time in duty free shopping," my friend and supporter Binh texted me. Binh has contributed to my fundraiser, and he has graciously offered to bring me to and from the airport -- even though my return flight lands in Rochester at midnight! Thank you, Binh! How to travel well  I haven't flown in several years, but I remember my personal routine and pointers for traveling well. Yes, there's a right and a wrong way! Stretch :  I like the window seat for short flights, but for the international flight, it'll be aisle seat. I know I need to get up every hour or so and stretch my legs, and I'll have a little more stretch room with the aisle...

A little over a month ago, I found this article about a Korean photographer, Lee Seoung-ho, a Buddhist, who felt drawn to document the history of the Catholic martyrs in Korea. To quote the article, written by reporter  Kang Hyun-kyung with The   Korea Times : Lee Seoung-ho felt his heart was sinking when four children’s graves near a Catholic cemetery caught his eye six years ago. The cemetery, which is home to 37 tombs of Catholic martyrs sacrificed in the bloody persecution in the 19th century, is part of the Hanti Martyrs' Shrine Pilgrimage, a 45.6- kilometer route stretched along Mount Palgong in the rustic southeastern county of Chilgok, North Gyeongsang Province. The article describes how Mr. Lee felt drawn to explore and document the lives of the martyrs and their mountain villages where they raised their families in community, staying faithful despite persecution. He published a photobook, titled “Gongso: A Place Cherishing Memories of Korean Catholicism.” Quoting t...

Friends, there is so much to write about concerning the history of the Korean Catholic Church and its noble martyrs and saints, but I will start with a brief overview of its early history, highlighting a few saints which I'll write more about on my Patreon . The birth of Catholicism in Korea happened as a result of the human search for God, that innate draw that God has placed in every person. In the late 1700s, the dominant ideologies in Korea were Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. Scholars subscribing to these ideologies would attach themselves to different political factions and dispute with other factions. However, a few scholars of the time abandoned this fractious political life and retreated to the countryside to research more deeply into the question of Truth and the human condition.  This group of scholars met in Chonjinam and Chuo-sa (sometimes referred to as the Bethlehem of Korea).  There they studied the work of Yi Ik, a philosopher who had studied "The True Doct...

A good friend and fellow writer/artist suggested I start up a Patreon page for Korea Dreambus, so without further ado: https://www.patreon.com/koreadreambus  

The website has been up for about a month, which itself seems like a dream. May sifted through like fine flour without a trace. June has been more reasonable in the passage of days, but July is nevertheless coming up quickly on the horizon.  June strawberries! Delicious!  맛있다 Today is the longest day of the year, the first day of summer. At the next turning of seasons, I will be in Korea, making my pilgrimage and my film. Much of this month has been spent reading about the martyrs, going deeper into who they were and what they did. I continue to be impressed and humbled by the level of commitment and sacrifice they were willing to endure for Christ. In the coming weeks, I will be writing up some short bursts to lead you through the beginnings of the Church in Korea and the four major persecutions, as well as highlights of the martyrs we call on by name. There are now 103 canonized saints and 124 blessed who will be canonized -- but these are among the over 10,000 martyrs in Ko...