Korean Films ‘Hope,’ ‘Colony’ and ‘Dora’ Invited to Cannes as Park Chan-wook Named Jury President

Despite the box-office success of the film 'The Man Who Lives With the King,' the broader Korean film industry remains under strain. Against that backdrop, three Korean films — 'Hope,' 'Colony' and 'Dora' — were invited to the 79th Cannes Film Festival, and director Park Chan-wook was appointed president of the competition jury.

The most prominent selection is director Na Hong-jin’s 'Hope.' Cannes included the film in its competition lineup, announced April 9 as part of the festival’s official selection. The competition section is Cannes’ centerpiece, bringing together the year’s most closely watched films.

It is Na’s first time in Cannes’ main competition. Since his debut with 'The Chaser,' he has maintained ties with the festival through films including 'The Yellow Sea' and 'The Wailing.' The new film also marks his first release in 10 years since 'The Wailing,' adding weight to its competition berth.

Director Yeon Sang-ho’s 'Colony' was also invited, landing in the Midnight Screenings section. That program spotlights genre films — including action, thriller, horror, noir and fantasy — that combine craft with broad appeal. Yeon has been selected by Cannes again following 'The King of Pigs,' 'Train to Busan' and 'Peninsula.'

Another Korean entry is director Jung Joo-ri’s 'Dora,' invited to the Directors’ Fortnight. The Fortnight’s organizing committee announced the selection on April 14. The noncompetitive section, founded by the French Directors Guild, is known for highlighting distinctive new voices.

Artistic director Julien Rejl described 'Dora' as a free and original film inspired by Freud’s early 20th-century “Dora” case, exploring a young woman’s desire — and the passion and confusion that follow — within the context of Korean cinema. Jung’s debut feature 'A Girl at My Door' was invited to Cannes’ Un Certain Regard in 2014, and 'Next Sohee' was selected as the 2022 Critics’ Week closing film. With 'Dora,' all three of her feature films have been invited to Cannes.

'Dora' follows two wounded characters as they are swept into a complex emotional spiral. The film has drawn attention for pairing singer-actor Kim Do-yeon with Japanese actor Sakura Ando. It is an international co-production that received investment and production support from France, Luxembourg and Japan.

Park’s appointment further underscores Korea’s presence at this year’s festival. Cannes named Park president of the 79th competition jury, saying it is the first time a Korean has held the post. Park has long been associated with Cannes through films including 'Oldboy,' 'Thirst' and 'Decision to Leave.' Having attended Cannes as an award winner, a competition director and a juror, he will now lead the panel that decides the top prizes.

The Cannes invitations alone are unlikely to resolve the industry’s difficulties. Still, as the downturn continues, the festival’s renewed attention to Korean films is being welcomed, and this year’s lineup is expected to prompt a fresh look at where Korean cinema stands now.