Despite continuous interference by government handlers, director Vitaly Mansky (Pipeline) still manages to document life in Pyongyang, the capital city of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, through this fascinating portrait of an eight year-old schoolgirl, Zin-mi, and her parents. Taking place in the year that Zin-mi prepares to join the Korean Children’s Union on the ‘Day Of The Shining Star’–Kim Jong-Il’s birthday–she and her family receive instructions on how to be the ideal patriot, all while Mansky’s watchful eye captures fascinating details his government handlers might prefer be left unseen. From comrades struggling to stay awake during an official government event, to a heartbreaking moment when Zin-mi is moved to tears during a particularly grueling dance lesson, this is an up close look at a way of life still so shrouded in mystery. Under the Sun is a testament to the potency of powerful documentary filmmaking, and a work of journalism that must be seen to be believed.