Director Na Hong-jin's 'HOPE' Makes Historic Entry into Cannes Film Festival Competition

Director Na Hong-jin's new film 'HOPE' has been officially invited to compete at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, set to open on May 12. This sci-fi action thriller features a star-studded cast including Hwang Jung-min, Jo In-sung, Jung Ho-yeon, Taylor Russell, Cameron Britton, Alicia Vikander, and Michael Fassbender.

On April 9, the Cannes Film Festival's executive committee announced the official invitation of 'HOPE' to the Competition section.

Na Hong-jin has maintained a strong connection with the Cannes Film Festival. His debut film 'The Chaser' was invited to the Midnight Screenings section in 2008, followed by 'The Yellow Sea' in the Un Certain Regard section in 2011, and 'The Wailing' in the Out of Competition section in 2016.

With 'HOPE' being invited to the Competition section, Na Hong-jin becomes the first Korean director to have all his feature films invited to Cannes. The Competition section is a prestigious category, selecting only about 20 films worldwide, making 'HOPE' Na's first entry into this elite group. This invitation marks the first Korean film in the Competition section since 'Decision to Leave' and 'Broker' in 2022, drawing significant attention.

Na Hong-jin, who has now had four consecutive films invited to Cannes, expressed his gratitude, saying, "It's an honor. I will strive to do my best in the remaining time."

'HOPE' tells the story of Beom-seok, the head of the Ho-po Port office located in the Demilitarized Zone, who hears from local youths about a tiger sighting, leading the entire village into a state of emergency as they encounter an unbelievable reality.

'HOPE' will have its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May and is set to hit theaters this summer.

By Ji-won Kim, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr