She is from a totalitarian regime, he is from a democracy of technological comfort. She was brought up to do everything, he is concerned with his own needs. North Korean Yujin Han, after escaping from her homeland, now calls South Korea her new home. She laughs that she can accomplish anything, and has founded a matchmaking agency bringing together North Korean women with local men. After all, as the saying goes, “the most beautiful women are from the North, the most handsome men are from the South”. As she tries to heal the rift between the two countries by means of a marriage business and support for North Korean refugees, Yujin’s relationship with her husband exposes the contradictions in culture, gender politics and modern love.

A larger than life documentary tale on history, emotions, two very different countries and the dramedy that is born from the fusion of cultures. Norwegian provocateur Traavik (Liberation Day (2016)) – familiar to local audiences – and South Korean Kim, debuting as director, have found the best possible protagonists. Yujin’s unwavering character, business acumen and spirited self-sufficiency – traits characteristic of Northern women – both intimidate and captivate local men, provoking questions about the dynamics and dead-ends of relationships. Playing with stereotypes in both Northern and Southern societies, and referencing Eat Drink Man Woman (1994) by Taiwanese director Lee, Traavik and Kim have spent five years creating a unique anatomy of two twin nations and an honest portrait of 21st century relationships. Screened at Sheffield DocFest, the film was co-produced by the Latvian film studio VFS Films.