Kim's Video (film)

Kim's Video is a 2023 documentary film directed by David Redmon and Ashley Sabin. The film chronicles Redmon's search for the legendary and eccentric video rental store Kim's Video and Music, a New York City institution known for its vast and eclectic collection of films, particularly hard-to-find and obscure titles.

The documentary begins with the closure of Kim's Video's multiple New York City locations in the early 2010s due to the rise of streaming services and changing consumer habits. The owner, Yongman Kim, purportedly sent the entire inventory of one of his stores – approximately 55,000 titles – to Salemi, Sicily, in exchange for a promise from the local government to house and maintain the collection for public access.

Kim's Video follows Redmon's journey to Salemi, and his subsequent quest to locate the collection, document its state, and understand the motives behind its relocation. The film explores themes of film preservation, cultural value, the impact of technology on physical media, and the legacy of a beloved independent business. It also delves into the eccentric personality of Yongman Kim and the devoted community that surrounded Kim's Video. The film blends archival footage, interviews, and Redmon's personal experiences to tell its story.