Dock Mennonite Academy Student Accepted to NYU Tisch: Eric Kim’s Film Journey

A Dock Mennonite Academy senior uses Dock’s arts program and film studies experience to build a standout portfolio and earn admission to NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.

When Eric (Dogyung) Kim, a student from South Korea, joined Dock Mennonite Academy—a Christian private school serving Bucks County, Montgomery County, and the greater Philadelphia region—in his sophomore year, he brought with him a curiosity about creativity and storytelling that would steadily grow into a clear artistic voice. That voice recently helped him earn acceptance to New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, one of the nation’s most prestigious film schools.

Eric’s senior year at Dock has been marked by significant achievements in the arts. At Dock’s annual Arts Day, he earned first place in photography and scored exceptionally high for his original short film, 98.6F. That same film became a central piece of his college application portfolio and was submitted to NYU Tisch—his dream school—where it contributed to his acceptance.

While the recognition is exciting, Eric credits much of his growth to the environment at Dock. “My favorite part about being a student at Dock has been teachers that push me to grow, especially in creative areas,” Eric shared. “I also love the campus; it’s a beautiful place to learn.”

How Dock’s Arts Program and Film Studies Helped Shape Eric’s Work

Dock’s arts program played a key role in shaping Eric’s development as a filmmaker. Through courses such as video production, photography, and film studies, he gained hands-on experience with cameras, editing, and visual storytelling—while also learning how to communicate meaning through composition and narrative. “Dock’s Art program gave me hands-on experience with cameras and editing and taught me crucial skills like having good composition and meaning,” Eric explained.

Learn more about Dock Mennonite Academy’s arts program and how students build portfolios through photography, video production, and film studies.

98.6F: A Short Film About Identity and Expectations

Eric’s short film 98.6F is set in his home city of Seoul and explores themes of identity, status, and societal expectations. The film uses shoes as a visual metaphor for the roles and labels society offers as measures of success. As the protagonist moves through the city, the rising temperature of the shoes reflects growing self-awareness and the tension between external expectations and inner direction. “I’m most proud that I was able to use shoes as a visual metaphor for status and jobs, and communicate a message to a wide audience,” Eric said.

A Student Who Contributes Across Dock’s Community

Beyond the arts, Eric is also a member of Dock’s robotics team and regularly contributes photography and video to school projects. His story reflects how Dock students are encouraged to explore their gifts, think deeply, and pursue unique pathways with confidence.

We are proud of Eric’s creativity, dedication, and contributions to the Dock community—and grateful to have been part of his journey as he prepares for this exciting next chapter in the arts.

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