Life Behind the Wall: North Korea

A festival of stories, courage, and life in North Korea, curated by writer and Korea scholar Nina Špitálníková

What lies hidden behind the borders of one of the world's most secretive nations? How do people live whose stories the regime never wanted to let out? The multimedia festival Life Behind the Wall: North Korea will be the largest event about North Korea and North Korean refugees not only in the Czech Republic, but across all of Europe. Created under the direction of writer and Korea scholar Nina Špitálníková, who has long documented testimonies of people fleeing totalitarianism.

The main immersive installation spanning 1,500 m² at Prague Market Hall (Hall 13) will draw visitors behind the walls of the world's most closed-off nation, into a system designed to control every aspect of life. Architect Barbara Bencová shapes the festival's striking visual identity, while portraits of North Koreans who escaped totalitarianism are contributed by Tim Franco, creator of the award-winning series Unperson. The exhibition is further complemented by illustrations by Dana Lédl (Myokard).

At the heart of the entire event are authentic testimonies of North Koreans, speaking not only for themselves but also for those whose voices totalitarianism silenced. The festival is designed as intergenerational, so that the experience of oppression is not forgotten and the stories of survivors reach future generations. There will also be a children's zone called Tota Flies, which introduces younger visitors to the value of freedom through playful activities.

"The regime silenced them. We hear them."

The festival offers a glimpse beyond the usual information available about life in North Korea and connects it with personal stories of those who lived there.