Lee Chang-dong's new Netflix film 'Possible Love' won the Silver Lion (Jury Prize) at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, marking the first time a Korean film has received this honor at the festival.
At the closing ceremony held on September 12 in Venice's Sala Grande, 'Possible Love' was awarded the Silver Lion in the competition category. This win comes 24 years after Lee received the Silver Lion for Best Director for 'Oasis' in 2002.
Receiving the trophy from jury member and presenter director Du Gibong, Lee expressed his gratitude, stating, "Without the patience and waiting of many people, this film would not have come to the world."
He continued, "I want to share this feeling with everyone who helped create this film. I am grateful to Netflix for believing in this project and making it possible, especially to the four actors who brought this film to life: Jeon Do-yeon, Seol Kyung-gu, Jo In-sung, and Jo Yeo-jeong."
Lee added, "In an era where labor is disappearing and relationships between people are breaking down, I made this film to question what we can do through cinema and what cinema must do. I understand this award as a call to continue asking those questions." He also dedicated the award to the actors, saying, "This award is yours."
In a press conference following the ceremony, Lee reflected on the film's themes, saying, "Often, films bring stories of others' suffering, and there are many consumptive elements. I wanted to ask myself how a creator should portray the suffering of others and share it with the audience. I thought that through the process of making a film, we might find a way to share and heal that pain together."
Jury member Du Gibong praised the film as Lee's most mature work, saying, "I loved all the details and reflections contained within the film, and I don't think I could ever make such a film myself." Earlier, 'Possible Love' had already garnered overwhelming critical support by winning the International Federation of Film Critics Award on September 11.
The lead actors, who are currently attending the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, also sent their heartfelt congratulations remotely.
Jeon Do-yeon expressed hope that the award would serve as a great motivation for Lee's next project, saying, "I am already curious about the next film he will show us." Seol Kyung-gu shared his pride in being part of the film, stating, "I am truly honored and proud just to have been involved in this film."
Jo In-sung expressed gratitude and honor for receiving such a significant award, attributing the achievement to the efforts and support of those who love Korean cinema. Jo Yeo-jeong congratulated Lee, saying, "I want to thank the director for creating such a wonderful film. I look forward to sharing the deep emotions this film brings with more people as soon as possible."
'Possible Love,' released eight years after Lee's 'Burning' in 2018, tells the story of a couple of laid-off workers who meet a wealthy documentary filmmaker couple, confronting their different lives and desires. The film will have a limited release in some domestic theaters on September 23 and will be available to global audiences on Netflix starting November 6.
At the closing ceremony held on September 12 in Venice's Sala Grande, 'Possible Love' was awarded the Silver Lion in the competition category. This win comes 24 years after Lee received the Silver Lion for Best Director for 'Oasis' in 2002.
Receiving the trophy from jury member and presenter director Du Gibong, Lee expressed his gratitude, stating, "Without the patience and waiting of many people, this film would not have come to the world."
He continued, "I want to share this feeling with everyone who helped create this film. I am grateful to Netflix for believing in this project and making it possible, especially to the four actors who brought this film to life: Jeon Do-yeon, Seol Kyung-gu, Jo In-sung, and Jo Yeo-jeong."
Lee added, "In an era where labor is disappearing and relationships between people are breaking down, I made this film to question what we can do through cinema and what cinema must do. I understand this award as a call to continue asking those questions." He also dedicated the award to the actors, saying, "This award is yours."
In a press conference following the ceremony, Lee reflected on the film's themes, saying, "Often, films bring stories of others' suffering, and there are many consumptive elements. I wanted to ask myself how a creator should portray the suffering of others and share it with the audience. I thought that through the process of making a film, we might find a way to share and heal that pain together."
Jury member Du Gibong praised the film as Lee's most mature work, saying, "I loved all the details and reflections contained within the film, and I don't think I could ever make such a film myself." Earlier, 'Possible Love' had already garnered overwhelming critical support by winning the International Federation of Film Critics Award on September 11.
The lead actors, who are currently attending the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, also sent their heartfelt congratulations remotely.
Jeon Do-yeon expressed hope that the award would serve as a great motivation for Lee's next project, saying, "I am already curious about the next film he will show us." Seol Kyung-gu shared his pride in being part of the film, stating, "I am truly honored and proud just to have been involved in this film."
Jo In-sung expressed gratitude and honor for receiving such a significant award, attributing the achievement to the efforts and support of those who love Korean cinema. Jo Yeo-jeong congratulated Lee, saying, "I want to thank the director for creating such a wonderful film. I look forward to sharing the deep emotions this film brings with more people as soon as possible."
'Possible Love,' released eight years after Lee's 'Burning' in 2018, tells the story of a couple of laid-off workers who meet a wealthy documentary filmmaker couple, confronting their different lives and desires. The film will have a limited release in some domestic theaters on September 23 and will be available to global audiences on Netflix starting November 6.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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