Authentic footage from North Korea is very difficult to come about. Almost everything coming out of that country is censored and reviewed by the totalitarian regime, making freedom of speech and expression a real burning issue. That’s because there’s no real transparency and it’s difficult to tell how people’s lives look like and to determine if violations of human rights are taking place.

With his new documentary feature “A State of Mind” British director Daniel Gordon has enjoyed unprecedented access to North Korea and was allowed to follow the story of two young gymnasts as they prepare for the Mass games, a yearly spectacle viewed by millions.

The film also provides a unique look into the mindset and thought process of some North Koreans in regard to how they view the west and gives us a better perspective on this conflict and on our modern world.

Tags: movies, north korea