Like a black hole, North Korea is a place where light cannot escape. Fed nothing but government propaganda, North Koreans can only access the outside world by slipping across the border to China, the first stop on a harrowing journey that, if successful, eventually leads to South Korea. Against this bleak backdrop, filmmaker Madeleine Gavin’s gripping Sundance-winning documentary “Beyond Utopia” spotlights the stories of two North Korean families and their courageous struggles for freedom.

Joining Ken on the pod, Madeleine describes how human rights activist Pastor Seungeun Kim and a shrewd underground network attempt to shepherd North Koreans to safety. Featuring rarely seen footage shot inside North Korea, a moment-by-moment escape across multiple countries, and a mother’s desperate attempt to free her son, “Beyond Utopia” showcases the fear and determination of those on the verge of escape and the tragedy of those left behind.

Hidden Gem:

“Collective”

“Beyond Utopia” is released by Roadside Attractions.

Follow:

@BeyondUtopiaDoc on Instagram and twitter

@topdocspod on Instagram and twitter

The Presenting Sponsor of "Top Docs" is Netflix.