With the Cannes Film Festival — one of the world's three most prestigious film festivals — just about a month away, attention is focused on whether a Korean feature film will receive an invitation this year. Last year, Korean features failed to earn selection in either the competition or non-competition sections for the first time in 12 years.
According to film industry sources on Sunday, new works by directors Yeon Sang-ho, Na Hong-jin and Jung Joo-ri — all of whom have previously been invited to Cannes — are considered strong contenders for selection. For director Yeon Sang-ho, two films are being discussed: "Gunche" and "Paradise Lost." Director Na Hong-jin's large-scale project "Hope" is also reported to have a high chance of invitation. The Cannes Film Festival will hold a press conference on April 9 to announce its official selection, including the competition section, out-of-competition section and the "Un Certain Regard" section showcasing new trends. Expectations within the Korean film industry are higher than ever, as director Park Chan-wook will serve as jury president of the competition section — a first for a Korean filmmaker.
