Korean Films: New Territory Deals Secured After Festival Wins
Two new Korean features have acquired international distributors following strong festival showings in September and October.
By Stephen Collins ·
Two recent Korean films have secured new international distribution rights through the Seoul-based sales agency Finecut. These deals follow strong performances at major film festivals earlier this year.
Hong Sangsoo’s “Nowhere to Lay My Eyes” has attracted buyers in France, Japan, Argentina, and Portugal. Carlotta Films will handle the French market, while Mimosa Films takes on Japan. Kligger has acquired rights for Argentina, and The Stone and the Plot will distribute the film in Portugal. These agreements supplement earlier sales to distributors in North America, Austria, China, Spain, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
The film won three awards at the 79th Locarno Film Festival in September. It took home prizes for best direction, best performance, and the Ecumenical Jury Prize. This marks Hong’s 35th feature film. He worked again with actors Kim Minhee and Kwon Haehyo, while introducing Choi Myeonggil to his regular cast. Jeonwonsa Film Co. produced the project.
Simultaneously, “Journey There” has sold rights to distributors in Taiwan, Japan, Israel, and Mongolia. Andrews Film will release the title in Taiwan, and KDDI Corporation will handle distribution in Japan. Lev Cinema has taken on Israel, and Izagur Media will release it in Mongolia. Kairos Distribution acquired rights for inflight screenings. The movie stars Justin H. Min, known for his role in the Netflix series “Beef.” It is the first Korean production to feature Min in the lead role.
The drama follows a middle-aged widow who prepares for her own journey and forms unexpected relationships in her new apartment. Director Kim Jin-yu produced the film through his company, Pado. This is Kim’s second feature, following “Bori,” which won two awards at the 24th Schlingel International Film Festival.
“Journey There” opened in Korean theaters on Oct. 28. The film has been invited to several upcoming events, including the Moscow International Film Festival, the New York Asian Film Festival, and the Paris and London Korean film festivals.
Finecut is also bringing other projects to the American Film Market. Their slate includes the animated “Long Long Night,” which will screen for buyers for the first time in an English-dubbed version. That title has already been selected for festivals in Toronto, Busan, and Sitges. The agency is also offering “Dora,” which screened in the Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes and the Gala Presentation section at Busan, and “Wi-Fi Love in the Palace,” a period fantasy romance starring Kim Young-hoon of the K-pop group The Boyz.
Source: Variety
