Yale in Hollywood Presents: Oscar-Nominated “Minari” Writer/Director Lee Isaac Chung ’01

Lee grew up in Lincoln, Arkansas, a small town in the Ozark Mountains where his family owned a farm. His first film, Munyurangabo, premiered at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival to great acclaim. Variety called the film “an astonishing and thoroughly masterful debut” American critic Roger Ebert called it “a beautiful and powerful film – a masterpiece.” His second film, Lucky Life, was developed at the Cinefondation at the Cannes Film Festival and premiered at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival and 2010 Torino Film Festival. His third film, Abigail Harm, won the grand jury prize and best director at the LA Asian Pacific Film Festival. In recognition of his work, Isaac was awarded a USA Artist Ford Fellowship in 2012.

His film Minari began as notes about his experience growing up in Arkansas. He turned them into his film Minari, which charmed audiences at Sundance 2020. Minari has gone on to win several awards and nominations. It was nominated for 6 Oscars including Best Film, and Writing and Directing for Lee Isaac Chung.