The 76th Cannes International Film Festival is set to start on May 16 in Cannes, France. As usual, the festival will display exceptional films from around the world, including two films from South Korea. Director Kim Jee-woon’s film “Cobweb” and director Kim Chang-hoon’s debut film “Hopeless” are both invited to be screened at the festival.
Song Kang-ho Stars in “Cobweb”
“Cobweb” is a story about a film director in the 1970s who struggles to make a masterpiece. It stars Song Kang Ho, Im Soo Jung, Oh Jung Se, and Jeon Yeo Been. The film was selected for the Out of Competition category; it marks Song Kang Ho’s eighth invitation to Cannes. Kim Jee-woon also directed “A Bittersweet Life” and “The Good, the Bad, the Weird,” which were also selected for non-competition sections.
A Noir Film about a Boy Entering the World of Organized Crime
“Hopeless”, directed by Kim Chang-hoon, is about a boy entering the world of organized crime. It stars Song Joong Ki and Hong Sa Bin. The film was selected for the Un Certain Regard category. It is no doubt that this low-budget noir film will catch attention with its unique storyline.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie Invited to Cannes Film Festival For Her Debut Series “The Idol”
BLACKPINK’s Jennie has been invited to attend the festival for her debut Hollywood production, HBO’s “The Idol,” which will be screened at Cannes Film Festival in the Out of Competition category. Jennie is the second BLACKPINK member after Jisoo to venture into acting and promotes herself as an actress on her Instagram account. If Jennie attends, she and f(x) member Krystal will be the two Kpop idols to attend the Cannes Film Festival at the same time.
Jennie’s Debut Role in ‘The Idol’ Revealed
According to sources from the production, Jennie’s role in “The Idol” is an insignificant one and her character is a queer bait. The series is jointly created by The Weeknd and Euphoria’s creator Sam Levinson and is set to be released in the second half of 2023. Fans of both BLACKPINK and Jennie are rejoicing at the news of her invitation, with some requesting that YG Entertainment let Jennie attend the event.
Korean Films Not Chosen for Competition Section
Unfortunately, no Korean films were chosen for competition this year. Nineteen films have been nominated for competition, including Japanese director Kore-eda Hirokazu’s “Monster.” It is not known whether Korean actors, directors or anyone affiliated with Korean films will attend the festival in person due to COVID-19 restrictions.
In conclusion, this year two South Korean films will be screened at Cannes International Film Festival, showing that South Korea is making exceptional strides in cinema. While none were chosen as a competitor, attending Cannes is always an honor and shows superstars like BLACKPINK’s Jennie that their talent reaches far beyond just singing and dancing.
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