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Jacob Polat, an alumnus of the Department of Digital Contents, received a Special Jury Mention at European Independent Film Festival (ÉCU) 2024 for his short film Dead Man Walking

Jacob Polat, whose father frequently visited Korea on business, developed a strong connection with the country and enrolled in the Department of Digital Contents at Kyung Hee in 2019. He spent seven years studying in Korea and was particularly attracted to the department’s diverse curriculum, which includes film, animation, and various other digital content disciplines.

During his time at the University, Jacob took an active role in numerous student activities, including the film club and the student council. “Working on short films in the club allowed me to experience everything from scriptwriting to shooting and editing. Additionally, my role in the student council’s cultural department involved organizing workshops and events, which helped me develop teamwork and leadership skills,” he recalled.

A Fantastic Curriculum That Covers Film, Animation, and More
Jacob particularly remembers the Digital Video Production course as the most impactful. This class covers all aspects of video production, from planning and shooting to editing. “This course guided me to realize the importance of lighting and sound and experience the power of storytelling in the editing process. The skills I learned were invaluable in creating my graduation project,” he said.

Jacob’s graduation project, a short film titled Dead Man Walking, has received significant recognition. It won the Best Student Film at the New York Movie Awards and received a Special Jury Mention at ECU - The European Independent Film Festival 2024 in Paris. Additionally, it was nominated for Best Student Film at both Cannes World Film Festival and Venice Short 2024. This recognition boosted his confidence in and reinforced his goal of creating films that resonate with audiences.

Dead Man Walking tells the story of a Korean spy targeted by the Turkish mafia. In the complex scenario where a Korean gang collaborates with the Turkish mafia to track the spy, the protagonist faces internal conflicts stemming from his past. Jacob oversaw all aspects of the film, from scriptwriting to shooting and editing. “I learned a lot from collaborating with my team and cherished the experience of bringing creative ideas to life,” he remarked.

“Seize the Opportunities Available to International Students at Kyung Hee”
Jacob works at Universal Studios, a renowned theme park. His short-term goal is to gain more experience by participating in a variety of projects and coming to deeply understand all aspects of film production. In the long term, he aspires to establish his own film production company to deliver unique and inspiring films to audiences worldwide. “I want to make a positive impact on the film industry and inspire many people,” he said.

Jacob also shared advice for prospective international students at Kyung Hee based on his own experience: “The University offers a wealth of opportunities for international students. Its excellent faculty and educational programs allow you to build your skills. Numerous student clubs are eager to welcome you. Embrace Korean culture and language with an open mind and start building your own network.”