Yoon Dan-bi discusses her second feature, The World Before, ahead of her premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. We explore her fascination with emotions that resist easy explanation, her search for authenticity in fiction, and an intentionally restrained approach to filmmaking that leaves room for actors, accidents, and imperfections to shape the film.
Yoon also reflects on her first feature, Moving On, finding a sense of belonging through cinema, and Yasujiro Ozu’s Good Morning, the film that first showed her that seemingly ordinary life could be worthy of the screen. We discuss shooting chronologically, avoiding unnecessary coverage, letting actors abandon dialogue when it doesn’t feel true, and why limitations can ultimately make a film stronger.
At its core, our conversation is about trusting what feels right and true rather than what feels perfect, and learning that you don’t have to hide the imperfect parts of yourself to make something worth loving.
What Movies Are You Watching?
The Past Present Feature Film Festival returns Saturday, November 21, 2026, at Eastwood Revival in Hollywood, California.
Join us for features, shorts, and convos with filmmakers, including an in-person Q&A with Shih-Ching Tsou following a screening of her acclaimed film Left-Handed Girl.
Festival lineup, schedule, and reservations coming soon.
https://pastpresentfeature.com/film-festival/
Revival Hub is your guide to specialty screenings in Los Angeles - classics on 35mm, director Q&As, rare restorations, and indie gems you won't find on streaming. We connect moviegoers with over 200 venues across LA, from the major revival houses to the 20-seat microcinemas and more.
Visit revivalhub.com to see what's playing this week.
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The Past Present Feature Film Festival - Nov. 21, 2026 in Hollywood, CA - Submit at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature
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