Produced by Tremolo Productions in association with LeeLee Films, Forever We Are Young delves into the heart, soul, and surprising evolution of one of the most passionate and complex global fandoms in pop music history: BTS ARMY.
The documentary features ARMY from around the world, including the US, Mexico, and South Korea, showcasing the power of community and collective organization that has helped catapult BTS to global stardom.
The highly anticipated documentary premised at the SXSW Film & Television Festival at the iconic Paramount Theatre in downtown Austin on Monday, March 10th. There was an enthusiastic crowd of industry professionals, film enthusiasts, and ARMY– “Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth”–members worldwide. The second screening at the ZACH Theatre was on Tuesday, March 11th.
Co-directors Grace Lee and Patty Ahn were in attendance for post-screening Q&A on Monday, alongside documentary participants and ARMY, Nico Edward, Kaitlyn Krapsyk, Norman Hsieh, and Mhia Wade. Alongside the filmmakers in attendance at the premiere were Executive Producers James Shin and Morgan Neville (Academy-award-winning filmmaker; 20 Feet from Stardom). After the screening, a BTS Dance Party took place outside the Paramount Theatre.
Quotes from the press announcement: “We both feel grateful to be part of documenting this historic fandom at this moment,” said directors Grace Lee and Patty Ahn. “Much has happened to get ARMY to this moment on the clock of the world, and we hope this film can provide some history and insight into how we might move into the next chapter.”
“I don’t even consider ARMY a fandom; they’re a FAMdom,” explained Nico Edward, a Texan ARMY and BTS reactor, during the Q&A. “To all my fellas out there, don’t be afraid to love BTS; don’t be scared to dive into this rabbit hole. Love it like any other song out there.
I attended the screening at the Zach Theater, and although there wasn’t a dance party, many enthusiastic fans were present. The film achieves what the filmmakers stated – to reach those who are fully familiar with the band and fellow fans, but also those who are not as informed about the band members and the fans from around the world. It is informative and entertaining to learn about them through the footage included in the film and hear from those who admire them.
Source: SXSW, Tremolo Productions, filmmakers