Last Saturday, Feb. 20, Rotaract at NYU Shanghai, in conjunction with the Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of Shanghai, hosted an event for charity. Rotary International is a worldwide service organization dedicated to the development of young professionals and their global network, connected by a mutual dedication and appreciation for volunteering and civil service. The event was centered around a gathering – a mixer of sorts for which food and drink were provided. The social occasion was followed by a screening of the North Korean movie production “Comrade Kim Goes Flying.” Many notable figures attended the event. In addition to the film's co-writer, director, and producer, Nicholas Bonner, Randal Eastman, Head Rotary Alumni Chair, Motohiro Yamane, Rotary Shanghai Secretary and Alumni Chair Members all paid a visit to NYU Shanghai.The movie screening depicted the rise and success of world-class North Korean gymnast Kim Yong Mi and provided a rare insight into the socio-economic culture of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Prior to the screening though, director Nicholas Bonner heeded the audience to refrain from “watching the film through the lens of a foreigner from the West” and making judgments as such, but rather to “keep an open mind and observe the social nuances that you may or may not be able to perceive.” NYU Shanghai freshman Andre Lucas elaborated following the conclusion of the film, “it was interesting to see the difference in entertainment between the East and the West – in particular that in the movie everything was exceedingly perfect and orderly, everything worked out in the main character’s favor, the different social customs deemed acceptable (people couldn't have public displays of affection), etc. In a Western screening, for example, it would be a lot more graphic and messy, nothing would work out quite the way it was shown as we saw from a North Korean perspective.” To this, fellow freshman Lily Mark counters, “the film was really interesting, but more so because the producer and directors were there to answer questions and give us their perspectives going into the filming of the movie, on the cultural considerations that went into its making, and influences on the portrayal of North Korean culture and social customs, as well as how they wanted the public to perceive them.”All proceeds raised through the event, a total of approximately 16,600 RMB, went to the aid of a North Korean school: the Mirim School Solar WASH project, a Rotarian and Rotaract sponsored cause to provide solar water heaters and a year's supply of soap for the improved health and hygiene of the 550 orphans attending the Mirim School in Pyongyang.What is more, many students in attendance found themselves surprised at the number of expatriates from outside the NYU Shanghai community. The expatriates far outnumbered the students in attendance. “I couldn’t stay for very long, but I was surprised at the number of professionals from the outside Shanghai expatriate community attended – it’s a great way to get connected with professional networks outside of the NYU Shanghai community. Everyone should go to the next event like this,” remarked NYU Shanghai sophomore Kevin Orellana. Others, such as freshman Lily Mark were surprised to see younger attendees – high schoolers from the Interact Club of Nanmo High School involved. “I was really excited to see fellow Interactors there who were enthusiastic, who came up and introduced themselves, asked a lot of questions, and were excited to tell us about their projects and future plans for their service club," Mark said.To learn more about the Mirim School Solar Wash project, please visit: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/.../KFN_Mirim_School_Solar...and the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene) in the DPRK at: http://kp.one.un.org/.../water-sanitation-and-hygiene-wash/ This article was written by AnneLi Miesel. Please send an email to [email protected] to get in touch. Photo Credit: Comrade Kim Goes Flying