GOOK
A film about race and family set against the backdrop of the L.A. Riots
Los Angeles, CA (April 19, 2017) – Samuel Goldwyn Films announced today the acquisition of the 2017 Sundance audience award winner GOOK. The film, written and directed by Justin Chon (Twilight franchise), stars Chon, David So (YouTube’s DavidSoComedy), and newcomer Simone Baker. The company has acquired North American rights and is slated to release the film in theatres this August. The ensemble explores the dynamic relationships between family, friends and how a kinship between friends can have as strong a bond as your own blood.
Eli (Chon) and Daniel (So) are two Korean American brothers that run their late father’s shoe store in a predominantly African American community of Los Angeles. These two brothers strike up a unique and unlikely friendship with an 11-year-old African American girl, Kamilla (Baker). As Daniel dreams of becoming a recording artist and Eli struggles to keep the store afloat, racial tensions build to a breaking point in L.A. as the “infamous” L.A. Riots break out.
“After we saw GOOK at Sundance, we were truly impressed by the incredible vision Justin projected as well as the caliber of the actor’s performances in creating such an authentic kinship between two brothers and Kamilla (Baker),” says Peter Goldwyn, President of Samuel Goldwyn Films. “The core ethos of our company is to offer original voices and uniquely told stories the opportunity to reach a broad audience and we could not be more proud to bring such a relevant film from an emerging filmmaker into the marketplace.”
“I am excited beyond words to have a partner like Samuel Goldwyn Films for our film GOOK. Their track record is undeniable and have proven through the years to have outstanding taste. I am sure that together we will execute an impactful release for the film,” says director Justin Chon.
GOOK is directed, written, and executive produced by Justin Chon. The film is produced by James J. Yi and Alex Chi, Executive Produced by Jin Lee, Eugene Lee, Pierre Delachaux, Sam Chi, Maurice Chen, Ian Choe, David Joe Kim, Gigi Tsui Kim, Raymond Kou, Nathan Kwong, Kirstin Bianchi, Jason Kim, James Sereno, Edwin Oh, John Nahm, Dennis Kwon, Naja Pham Lockwood, Jason Morales, Alan Pao, Brian Shin, Blaine Vess, Alex Bowles, Rich Young Jr., and Datari Turner.
