The 78th Cannes Film Festival, under a 'no exposure' directive, is generating significant buzz ahead of its opening. Although Korean films were not invited to the competitive institutional sector, director Hong Sang-soo has been appointed as a juror. Additionally, actresses Kim Goeun and Han So-hee will maintain their presence by attending the red carpet.
On the 12th (local time), the Cannes Film Festival office announced via its official website that the dress code has become stricter starting this year. Consequently, excessive exposure is prohibited not only on the red carpet but also in screening rooms and various official event venues. Nude dresses, voluminous dresses, and excessively long dresses are also restricted.
The Cannes Film Festival organizers explained that this measure is to "clarify existing regulations based on French etiquette" and noted that it aims to maintain the dignity of the festival.
The prevalent opinion suggests that this change in regulations is not unrelated to the controversy over celebrities' excessive exposure at recent award shows and film festivals. Global celebrities such as Bianca Sensory and Bella Hadid have repeatedly sparked controversy with their sheer transparent dresses and revealing outfits. Thus, the Cannes Film Festival organizers have taken proactive measures.
However, there exists critical backlash that coincides with the local atmosphere valuing freedom of expression and the artistic film festival's emphasis on various freedoms of expression. As such, attention is focused on the atmosphere of the Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony.
Amidst this, actresses Kim Goeun and Han So-hee from the Korean film industry will attend the Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony. While not all are attending for their works, they have received invitations to the festival through brands they are actively representing as ambassadors.
While the presence of the actors remains strong, Korean films have been completely absent from the competitive institutional sector at this year's Cannes Film Festival. However, director Jung Yumi's 'Glasses' has been invited to the Short Film Critics' Week, and director Heo Gayeong's short film 'First Summer' has been invited to the Cinéfondation.
Additionally, director Hong Sang-soo was also listed on the previously announced jury members. He has been officially appointed as a juror for the competitive institutional sector. Despite his personal life controversies, including having an illegitimate child with actress Kim Min-hee while unable to divorce his wife, director Hong Sang-soo boasts a long-standing relationship with the Cannes Film Festival. Therefore, attention is on how he will showcase his presence at Cannes amidst the absence of Korean works.
The 78th Cannes Film Festival will take place from the 13th to the 24th local time.
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (forbidden for unauthorized reproduction and redistribution), OSEN DB, Cannes Film Festival official SNS source.
[OSEN]