Director Yoon Ga-eun's latest film, 'The World of Love,' has achieved remarkable success by winning the FIPRESCI Prize at the 41st Warsaw International Film Festival, following its double win at the Pingyao International Film Festival.
Set to release on October 22, 'The World of Love' tells the story of Joo-in, an enigmatic 18-year-old high school girl who begins receiving mysterious notes after being the only student to refuse participation in a school-wide petition. Before its release, the film made its world premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival as the first and only Korean film invited to the Platform section. It further cemented its status as a globally recognized work by sweeping two awards at the 9th Pingyao International Film Festival. The film has also been invited to prestigious film festivals such as the 69th BFI London Film Festival, the 20th Leiden International Film Festival, and the 70th Cork Film Festival. At the 41st Warsaw International Film Festival, 'The World of Love' made its European premiere and was awarded the FIPRESCI Prize, further elevating the status of Korean cinema.
The FIPRESCI jury at the Warsaw International Film Festival praised 'The World of Love' for its "delicate direction and deep emotional resonance, exploring the difficulty of judging others while paying homage to the resilience of the human spirit. As Joo-in searches for the answer to 'What is truly you?', actress Seo Soo-bin's outstanding performance fully immerses the audience in her world. An unpredictable yet captivating coming-of-age drama." Director Yoon Ga-eun expressed her gratitude, stating, "Joo-in is a very ordinary yet vulnerable girl with immense courage and wisdom. Receiving this award feels like all the film critics are holding this little girl's hand and guiding her into the world. I am truly grateful for choosing 'The World of Love.'"
Additionally, 'The World of Love' has been officially invited to the International Perspective section of the 49th São Paulo International Film Festival, one of the largest film festivals in South America, alongside films by directors Richard Linklater, Ari Aster, and Christian Petzold.
'The World of Love' will be released in theaters nationwide on October 22.
Reported by Kim Ji-won, TenAsia bella@tenasia.co.kr