Director Hong Sang-soo's 33rd feature film, "What Does the Natural Say to You," has garnered attention by being invited to compete at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival.
This invitation marks the 12th record achieved by Director Hong at the Berlin Film Festival, and his unique style is expected to leave a lasting impression on the global film industry once again.
The Berlin Film Festival's executive committee announced the competition lineup during a press conference on the 21st (local time), praising Hong's new work as "a sweet yet sour comedy that provides deep insights into the flow of human relationships."
Film festival programmer Jacqueline Leong praised, "The originality that only Hong Sang-soo can express has shone once again."
Since being invited to the Berlin Forum with his debut film "The Day a Pig Fell into the Well" in 1997, Director Hong has showcased 12 works at the Berlin Film Festival. Notably, he won the Silver Bear for Best Actress in 2017 for "On the Beach at Night Alone," and continued his award streak by winning the Jury Prize (Silver Bear) last year for "The Novelist's Film." There is keen interest in whether this new work can surpass his previous records.
This year's festival will also feature Bong Joon-ho's new film "Mickey17" in the Special Gala section and Min Kyu-dong's "The Drug King" in the Forum section, raising expectations for the Korean film industry.
Meanwhile, there is growing interest in whether actress Kim Min-hee, who has been a long-time partner of Director Hong, will accompany him to the festival. The two have been in the spotlight at international film festivals for both their works and personal relationship. Attention is focused on how "What Does the Natural Say to You" will be received in Berlin and whether Kim Min-hee will once again share the spotlight.
The 75th Berlin International Film Festival will be held from February 13 to 23 in Berlin, Germany.
[Kim Seung-hye, MK Sports Reporter]
