Nam June Paik: Moon Is the Oldest TV
This fascinating documentary chronicles the life and career of Nam June Paik (1932–2006), “the father of video art.” Born in Japan-occupied Korea, Paik studied as a classical musician before moving to Germany in the 1950s, where he became a member of the influential experimental art movement Fluxus. Relocating to the United States, he became fully engaged with television and video, revolutionizing the use of technology.
Nam June Paik: Moon Is the Oldest TV is told with archival footage and clips from Paik’s work, tracing collaborations with his mentor, John Cage, as well as Laurie Anderson, Joseph Beuys, David Bowie, Merce Cunningham, Allen Ginsberg, and Charlotte Moorman (the topless cellist). Narrated by actor Steven Yeun (Minari, Burning).
The MFAH film department is supported by Tenaris; The June Leaf and Robert Frank Foundation; the Vaughn Foundation; The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea; Nina and Michael Zilkha; Franci Neely; Carrin Patman and Jim Derrick; Ms. Laurence Unger; L'Alliance Française de Houston; and ILEX Foundation.
Nam June Paik: Moon Is the Oldest TV
Directed by Amanda Kim
(United States, 2023, 107 minutes, in English, German, and Korean with English subtitles, Digital)
Lynn Wyatt Theater