Growth in sisterhood.
Daily Wellbeing with Filmmaker Sue Kim
In the midst of the creative whirlwind that defines filmmaking, Sue Kim has learned to prioritize her wellbeing as much as her art. On the Brave New Girls Podcast, she spoke candidly about how she maintains balance in her life while working on emotionally intense and physically demanding projects like her award-winning documentary The Last of the Sea Women. Her approach to self-care is deeply rooted in intentionality, resilience, and a profound connection to her purpose.
For Sue, wellbeing is not an afterthought—it is the foundation that allows her to thrive in a career filled with challenges. She recognizes that filmmaking is inherently demanding, with grueling schedules, long days, and physical exertion that often leaves little room for rest. Yet, she approaches her work with joy and gratitude, finding creative fulfillment even in the hardest moments.
A key part of Sue’s daily routine is making space for physical recovery. After chasing haenyeo divers across rocky shores or navigating underwater filming, she listens to her body and gives it what it needs. Whether it’s yoga to stretch out tired muscles, acupuncture to restore balance, or a deep-tissue massage to release tension, these practices allow her to recharge. Sue’s understanding of recovery isn’t just physical—it’s holistic. She sees these moments as opportunities to realign both her body and mind.
While Sue’s work is physically taxing, it also comes with emotional challenges. Telling the stories of endangered cultures, such as the haenyeo of South Korea, requires emotional resilience and an ability to hold space for others’ experiences. Sue finds strength in her connection to the purpose behind her projects. For her, filmmaking is more than a job—it’s a way to shine a light on issues that matter, from environmental conservation to cultural preservation. This sense of purpose is what keeps her going, even when the path feels uncertain or daunting.
But wellbeing isn’t just about grand gestures or major shifts—it’s about the small, intentional choices that add up over time. Sue emphasizes the importance of taking breaks, even in the midst of a busy schedule. She believes that stepping away from work, even briefly, is essential to maintaining creativity and clarity. Whether it’s a walk outside or a quiet moment to reflect, these pauses allow her to reset and approach her work with fresh eyes.
Nature is another key element of Sue’s approach to wellbeing. Working on Jeju Island for The Last of the Sea Women brought her closer to the natural world, and she credits these experiences with helping her feel grounded. The ocean, the rocks, and the rhythm of the haenyeo’s dives became a source of inspiration and solace. For Sue, time spent in nature is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Collaboration also plays a vital role in Sue’s life. She draws energy and encouragement from the people around her, whether it’s her film crew, her family, or the haenyeo themselves. During the making of The Last of the Sea Women, she described the camaraderie among her team as a “sisterhood” that mirrored the bond shared by the divers. This sense of community reminds her that she is never alone in her journey.
At the heart of Sue’s wellbeing philosophy is a profound acceptance of imperfection. She acknowledges that life—and filmmaking—is messy, unpredictable, and rarely goes according to plan. Rather than letting this deter her, Sue embraces the chaos as part of the process. By letting go of the need to be perfect, she creates space for growth, experimentation, and, ultimately, joy.
Sue’s approach to wellbeing is not prescriptive or rigid—it’s deeply personal and adaptable. It’s about listening to your body, following your intuition, and finding what works for you. She reminds us that self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming. It can be as simple as pausing to take a deep breath, celebrating a small win, or expressing gratitude for the opportunities in your life.
For Sue, gratitude is the thread that weaves all of her practices together. She is deeply thankful for the privilege of doing meaningful work, for the people who support her, and for the beauty of the world she seeks to protect. This gratitude fuels her resilience and inspires her to keep moving forward, even when the road is tough.
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Talk to Lou Hamilton- Your Wellbeing Coach
10 Actionable Steps for Inspired Wellbeing
Build recovery time into your day—rest is as important as work.
Find joy in your daily activities, even the small ones.
Step outside and connect with nature to reset your mind.
Celebrate progress, no matter how small it feels.
Embrace imperfection and allow space for growth.
Surround yourself with a supportive community.
Align your actions with a sense of purpose.
Schedule intentional breaks to recharge.
Listen to your body’s needs and honor them.
Practice gratitude as a daily habit to maintain perspective.
Filmmaker Sue Kim’s approach to wellbeing emphasizes recovery, purpose, and gratitude. Her strategies inspire resilience and balance in daily life.
If you have worries around life’s juggles & health challenges, and want to grow a healthier, happier life, work with your Wellbeing Coach Lou Hamilton who will guide you through the steps you need to take, to get to where you want to be- living well on a well planet.
See which bespoke coaching programme works for you & we can tailor them further to your growth needs.
