Director Hong Sang-soo's (64) 33rd feature film, 'What Does the Nature Say to You', has been officially invited to the competition section of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, which will be held on February 13.
The overseas distributor Finecut Co., Ltd. announced on the 21st that the Berlin International Film Festival executive committee revealed the official invitation for Hong's new film 'What Does the Nature Say to You' during a press conference.
This marks the 6th consecutive invitation for director Hong Sang-soo, following his previous works 'The Woman Who Ran', 'Introduction', 'The Novelist's Film', 'In the Water', and 'The Need for Travelers'.
Director Hong has previously won the Silver Bear for Best Actress for 'Alone on the Night Beach' at the 67th Berlin International Film Festival, the Silver Bear for Best Director for 'The Woman Who Ran' at the 70th, the Silver Bear for Best Screenplay for 'Introduction' at the 71st, the Jury Grand Prize for 'The Novelist's Film' at the 72nd, and the Jury Grand Prize for 'The Need for Travelers' at the 74th.
In the invitation letter from the Berlin International Film Festival, Executive Chair Tricia Tuttles and the two program directors stated, "Watching Hong Sang-soo's recent work, we loved the language and rhythm of the form that makes up this film, as well as the insights contained within it. We felt it was truly intuitive regarding people and the flow between them. At the same time, it was sharply humorous and funny in many moments. We send our heartfelt congratulations for this film."
'What Does the Nature Say to You' features Ha Sung-kyu, Kwon Hae-hyo, and Jo Yoon-hee, who have appeared in many of Hong's previous works. Hong's partner, Kim Min-hee, participated as the production manager. The film depicts the events that unfold when a thirty-something poet, Dong-hwa, accidentally visits his lover Jun-hee's home.
Earlier, the entertainment media Dispatch reported on the 17th that "Kim Min-hee is naturally pregnant with Hong Sang-soo's child" and "is expected to give birth this spring." There is growing interest in whether the two will attend the Berlin International Film Festival together.
The 75th Berlin International Film Festival will take place in Berlin, Germany, from February 13 to 23. After its world premiere, it is scheduled for domestic release in the first half of this year.
