Director Yeon Sang-ho's latest film, 'Colony,' has been officially invited to the Midnight Screening section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival. The international poster has also been unveiled.
'Colony' will be showcased at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, held from May 12 to May 23 in France, under the Midnight Screening section. The film is set in a building sealed off due to a mysterious infection outbreak, where isolated survivors face off against evolving infected beings.
On April 9, at 6:40 PM (KST), the Cannes Film Festival's executive committee announced 'Colony's invitation to the Midnight Screening section during an official press conference. Thierry Frémaux, the executive director, introduced Yeon Sang-ho's 'Colony,' stating, "Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, known for 'Train to Busan,' this horror zombie genre film unfolds within a confined building. Audiences will imagine various narrative devices and storytelling possibilities from this setting."
This marks Yeon Sang-ho's fourth invitation to the Cannes Film Festival, following his debut feature animation 'The King of Pigs' (2012, Directors' Fortnight), 'Train to Busan' (2016, Midnight Screening), and 'Peninsula' (2020, Official Selection). Yeon first gained attention when 'The King of Pigs' became the first Korean feature animation invited to the Directors' Fortnight at Cannes. His first live-action film, 'Train to Busan,' was invited to the Midnight Screening section, receiving praise from Thierry Frémaux as "the best Midnight Screening ever, a blockbuster that captures entertainment and social commentary." During 'Peninsula's invitation, he was lauded as "a director representing Korea, following in the footsteps of Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon-ho," solidifying his presence in the global film industry.
The Cannes Film Festival is renowned as one of the most prestigious international film festivals, attracting the highest attention from film fans worldwide. The Midnight Screening section, to which 'Colony' has been invited, selects a few films that combine artistry and popularity from genres like action, thriller, noir, horror, and fantasy. Following Park Chan-wook's role as the jury president of the competition section, 'Colony's invitation makes this year's Cannes Film Festival a particularly special celebration for Korean film fans.
Director Yeon Sang-ho is set to walk the Cannes red carpet with 'Colony,' ten years after 'Train to Busan,' once again drawing cheers from global film enthusiasts. Regarding the invitation, Yeon expressed, "I am thrilled to present 'Colony' at the Cannes Film Festival, a global celebration of cinema. I am especially excited to screen it in the Midnight Screening section, known as a gathering place for genre film fans worldwide." He added, "I will proudly introduce Korean genre films with the actors who worked with me. Thank you." The film features a powerful and fresh ensemble cast, including Jun Ji-hyun, Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hyun-bin, Kim Shin-rok, and Go Soo, all making their first appearance at Cannes, heightening global fans' anticipation and interest.
The international poster for 'Colony,' released alongside the Cannes invitation news, draws attention with its English title connected by mysterious slime. It also raises curiosity about the fear and suspense that the new species, depicted as entangled and roaring infected beings with twisted limbs running at high speed, will evoke.
'Colony,' directed by zombie master Yeon Sang-ho and featuring a stellar cast including Jun Ji-hyun, Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hyun-bin, Kim Shin-rok, and Go Soo, will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival before its domestic release in May.
Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr