‘First entry’ Song Joong-ki, Jenny ‘Nth round invitation’ Song Kang-ho ‘Many points to watch’

Although there is some disappointment as our film did not advance to the competition section at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, which will be held from the 16th to the 27th, there are many points to pay attention to.

First of all, a total of 7 Korean films were invited to the Cannes Film Festival. ‘Hwaran’ (director Kim Chang-hoon) in ‘Un Certain Regard’, ‘Cobweb’ (director Kim Ji-woon) in non-competitive category, ‘Escape: PROJECT SILENCE’ (director Kim Tae-gon) in Midnight Screening, ‘Sleep’ (director Yoo Jae-seon) in Critics’ Week ), ‘Our Day’ (directed by Hong Sang-soo) was selected as the closing film of Directors’ Week. In the La Cinef (Cine Foundation) category, 'Brothers of the Lee Family' (Seo Jeong-mi, Department of Film, Korea National University of Arts) and 'Hole' (Hwang Hye-in, Korean Film Academy) were selected.

The official section, 'Un Certain Regard', features 20 original works from various regions and cultures, and mainly invites works by young directors. It is screened at the Debussy Theater. Non-competitive categories include Non-Competition, which selects works by renowned directors, Midnight Screening, which selects genre films, and Special Screenings, which features works by lesser-known or new directors. Directors' Week, an informal section with relatively low thresholds, is hosted by the Directors' Association, and Critics' Week is hosted by the Critics' Association. La Sineuf presents short films by film school students from around the world.

Song Joong-ki, who was invited to Cannes for the first time in his life, walks the red carpet with 'Hwaran'. 'Hwaran' is a low-budget noir film in which Song Joong-ki starred as a no-carrantee. It tells the story of a boy, Yeon-gyu (played by Hong Sa-bin), who wants to escape from the hellish reality, and meets the organization's mid-level boss Chi-geon (played by Song Joong-ki).

Regarding the invitation to Cannes, Song Joong-ki said, "I am honored and excited," and said, "I will fully enjoy it as it is a festival for filmmakers," so he plans to walk the red carpet and say hello. It is of great interest whether Song Joong-ki's wife, Katie Louise Saunders, a former British actress who accompanies him on all of his schedules, will appear as his partner. According to what multiple entertainment insiders have said, positive signals are captured in Katie's attendance at the Cannes Film Festival, but there is a possibility that we may not be able to see him since she is pregnant.

Actor Song Kang-ho's 'The Spider's Nest', which won the Best Actor award at last year's Cannes Film Festival, will be held at a red carpet event with director Kim Ji-woon, Lim Soo-jeong, Oh Jeong-se, Jeon Yeo-bin, Jeong Su-jeong, Jang Young-nam, and Park Jeong-soo confirmed to attend. Song Kang-ho's 8th appearance through 'Cobweb'. Director Kim Ji-woon was invited to Cannes for the third time. 'Cobweb' depicts what happens in the 1970s when director Kim, who believes that if only the ending of the film 'Cobweb' was filmed again, will become a masterpiece, actors and producers who do not understand the censorship and changes push for re-filming.

It is also noteworthy that new directors Yoo Jae-seon of 'Hwaran' and Kim Chang-hoon of 'Sleep' make their first entry into Cannes. Director Hong Sang-soo, who has consistently been loved by Cannes, was invited to Cannes for the 12th time with 'Our Day', starring actress Kim Min-hee. Director Hong and Kim Min-hee, who have been partners for eight years this year, are unknown in Korea, but are showing no hesitation at overseas film festivals, so the industry predicts that they will also attend the Cannes Film Festival.

Expectations are high to see Jennie from Blackpink, Jeong Su-jeong from f(X), and singer Bibi, who worked as singers as idols but then stepped on the red carpet at Cannes from their first steps into acting, to appear on the red carpet. Jenny is invited to the non-competitive category and walks the red carpet for her first attempt at acting, the American HBO original drama 'The Idol' (directed by Sam Levinson). In addition, Jeong Su-jeong enjoys the festival with director Jeong Ji-woon and Song Kang-ho for 'Cobweb'. Bibi, who appeared in ‘Hwaran’, is also expected to join Song Joong-ki and Hong Sa-bin.

In addition, actor Lee Sun-kyun is attracting attention by being invited to Cannes through two films, including 'Sleep', in which he starred with Jung Yu-mi, and 'Escape: PROJECT SILENCE', in which he starred with actors Ju Ji-hoon and Kim Hee-won.

The opening film of this year's Cannes Film Festival is 'Jeanne du Barry' (directed by Maiwen), and the closing film is 'Elemental' (directed by Peter Son).

Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr