Hong's 31st Feature Film Starring Isabelle Huppert Joins Prestigious Berlinale Competition

Courtesy of JEONWONSA FILM

Director Hong Sang-soo's latest film, "A Traveler’s Needs," has been invited to the Competition section of the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, known as the Berlinale. This marks Hong's fifth consecutive invitation and seventh overall to the renowned film festival. 

▲ Courtesy of JEONWONSA FILMThe film stars French actor Isabelle Huppert, marking their third collaboration after "In Another Country" (2012) and "Claire’s Camera" (2017). "A Traveler’s Needs" revolves around a French woman teaching French to two Korean women during her travels in Korea.

Hong Sang-soo, a recipient of three Silver Bear awards in previous years, won the Grand Jury Prize in 2022 for "The Novelist’s Film." The Competition section of the Berlinale features around 20 films vying for top honors, including the Golden Bear and Silver Bear trophies.

Carlo Chatrian, Berlinale co-chief, highlighted the uniqueness of Hong's filmmaking style and praised "A Traveler’s Needs" as a special comedy offering a light yet insightful perspective on human relationships.

The film's cast includes Lee Hye-young and Kwon Hae-hyo, frequent collaborators with Hong. Other directors invited to the Berlinale Competition section include Olivier Assayas with "Suspended Time," Andreas Dresen with "From Hilde, With Love," and Alonso Ruizpalacios with "La Cocina."

In addition to "A Traveler’s Needs," four other Korean films – "The Roundup: Punishment," "Exhuma," "It’s Okay!" and the short film "Circle" – have been invited to different sections of the Berlinale.

The 74th Berlin International Film Festival is scheduled to take place from February 15 to February 24, with the concurrent European Film Market occurring between February 15 and 21. Actor Lupita Nyong’o is set to lead the international jury at this year's edition.

Sayart

Kelly.K, pittou8181@gmail.com