▲ A poster of "Broker" by Zip Cinema (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

▲ A poster of "Decision to Leave" by CJ ENM (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

▲This image provided by Megabox Plus M shows a scene from "Hunt." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

 

SEOUL, April 15 (Yonhap) -- “It’s great spring news for everyone who participated in the film ‘Decision to Leave,’” said Director Park Chan-wook, who is entering the competition section of the 75th Cannes Film Festival for the first time in 6 years since “The Handmaiden.”

"It's meaningful to participate in a film festival amid the pandemic," the director said through local distributor CJ ENM, on Thursday.

“I've had plenty of time to think about the meaning of watching a movie theater in groups,” adding, "I'll see as many films as possible at Cannes and will give a standing ovation to them longer than any other people there,” said Park.

The film’s lead role Tang Wei said, “I’m so happy," adding, "I hope the day will come soon when everyone returns to the theater and recovers their daily lives."

Korean actor Park Hae-il explained, “It was a meaningful time during filming, and I’m even happier to participate in the Cannes Film Festival,” adding, “As I’ve waited for the day to watch a movie in the theater with a lot of people, I’m excited to meet the audience all over the world with ‘Decision to Leave.’”
 

Park, who has won two titles at Cannes for "Oldboy" (2003) and "Thirst" (2009), will put his name for the fourth time with “Decision to Leave,” following “The Handmaiden” (2016).

Japanese director Kore-eda, who took home the Palme d'Or for "Shoplifters" in 2018, was nominated once again for the Korean film “Broker.” The director said, “I'm glad that this work, which transcends language and cultural differences, was highly praised and it’s a relief that not only me but all the staff and actors who participated in the work were rewarded.”

"This will be my first time attending the Cannes Film Festival in four years, and I want to use it as a good opportunity to think about the meaning of continuing to make and deliver movies to the world at a time of confusion,” added the director.

Director Kore-eda was nominated for his sixth time in the competition section and set a record for entering the Cannes Film Festival for the eighth time in his career, including the Un Certain Regard section.

Actor Song Kang-ho will attend the Cannes Film Festival for the seventh time after the film “The Host” (2006, Director's Fortnight), “Secret Sunshine” (2007, In Competition), “The Good, the Bad, the Weird” (2008, Out of Competition), “Thirst” (2009, In Competition·Jury Prize), “Parasite” (2019, In Competition·Palme d'Or), “Emergency Declaration" (Out of Competition). 

Song said, “It’s always exciting and fun to be at the Cannes Film Festival,” adding, “I’m honored and thankful to share the news with director Kore-eda and my fellow actors.”

This will be the fourth time for actress Bae Doo-na to be invited to the Cannes Film Festival after “The Host,” “Air Doll” (2009, Un Certain Regard), and “A Girl at my Door,” (2014, Un Certain Regard).

The film "Peninsula," has been named for the Cannes Film Festival, but actor Gang Dong-won was not able to attend since the festival was not held. Gang shared, “I am very grateful that I could hear such good news as this is a work that everyone filmed with all their heart.”

Lee Ji-eun (IU), who will attend the Cannes Film Festival for the first time said, “I was grateful that I learned a lot last spring and all my experiences were magical while filming ‘Broker,’” adding, “I'm excited and looking forward to attending the Cannes Film Festival because this spring will be as magical as last year's.”

Lee Jung-jae, who was invited to the festival's out-of-competition "Midnight Screenings,” with his directorial debut film “Hunt,” said, "Thank you so much to the Cannes Film Festival. It's an honor to have the premiere of my first directorial film at Cannes."

Lee said, "I think today's results come from the passion of the production team and the efforts of the actors who performed with all their might," adding, "Thank you for your interest and support, and I look forward to a good response at the Cannes Film Festival."
 

(This article is translated from Korean to English by An Hayeon.)

 

(END)

 

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]