‘I Am More’ Captures The Difficult Yet Joyous Journey Of Drag Artist More

In the Korean documentary I Am More, the artist known as More describes being born male as “a life sentence in tragedy” and one she did not choose. More had a difficult time growing up in a rural area which held traditionally conservative views on gender and sexuality. Things were so hard that she attempted suicide and, after failing at her attempt, ultimately decided to live life on her own terms. Thanks to supportive parents she found both solace and an outlet in dance.

Her natural agility and dance skills drew her to the world of ballet, but More found she wanted to be a ballerina and not a ballerino. That option did not exist and other dancers told her to mask her femininity. As a result, the dancer, actor and performance artist left the world of formal ballet to perform as a drag artist, crafting a new identity with inventive makeup, wigs and glamorous costumes.

I Am More follows More’s journey from her early fascination with glamour to her performance in a New York City show that marked the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.

While the drag scene has quietly existed in South Korea for decades, it is definitely growing and gaining acceptance. I Am More follows the journey of one performer and her struggles for acceptance both on and off stage. It also showcases More’s performance art, which sets charismatic costumes and striking performances in ironic settings. More is obviously a very talented dancer, capturing a lifetime of joy and sadness in her graceful movements.

The 2021 film, directed by Lee Il-ha, will be presented at the New York Asian Film Festival on July 24. The festival runs from July 15 through 31.