Hong Sang-soo's 35th feature film, "Nowhere to Lay My Eyes," has been officially invited to the competition institutional sector of the prestigious Locarno Film Festival.
On the 9th (local time), according to the Locarno Film Festival executive committee and overseas distributor Finecut Co., Ltd., Hong Sang-soo's new film "Nowhere to Lay My Eyes (NOWHERE TO LAY MY EYES)" has been listed in the international competition institutional sector of the 79th Locarno Film Festival, which opens on Aug. 5.
With this, Hong Sang-soo set a major record by receiving an official invitation to the Locarno Film Festival for the fifth time overall, following "Our Sunhee" (2013, best director), "Right Now, Wrong Then" (2015, Golden Leopard & best actor), "The Day He Arrives" (2018, best actor), and "Suyucheon" (2024, best actor).
The Locarno Film Festival praised Hong Sang-soo's distinctive aesthetic in its invitation letter.
The executive committee said, "We were deeply moved by the poetic expression the film evokes and the refined craft that made it possible," and added, "All the images, words and encounters convey the meaning, beauty and complexity of life in such an effortless and unforced way. It once again shows why Hong Sang-soo is one of the great masters of our time," offering high praise.
Held every August in Locarno, Switzerland, the Locarno Film Festival was founded in 1946 and is considered one of the oldest international film festivals in the world. It is particularly renowned for discovering and showcasing many artistic and experimental auteur films.
In the new film "Nowhere to Lay My Eyes," Hong Sang-soo took on production, scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, sound recording, editing and music all by himself. In addition, Kim Min-hee, the director's long-time partner, lover and persona, not only starred but also participated as the head of production, adding luster to the end credits. In released stills, Kim Min-hee exudes the same pure atmosphere. In January last year news of Kim Min-hee's pregnancy was reported, and about three months later it was announced she had given birth to a son.
Meanwhile, Kwon Hae-hyo, Shin Seok-ho and Park Mi-so, who have shown a weighty presence in Hong's previous works, join the ensemble, and "drama godmother" actress Choi Myung-gil, who has captivated home audiences, works with Hong Sang-soo for the first time, attracting attention from the film industry.
"Nowhere to Lay My Eyes," which offers a deepened worldview from the master, will have its world premiere at the 79th Locarno Film Festival (Aug. 5, 2026 (Wed) ~ Aug. 15, 2026 (Sat)) and is scheduled to be released to domestic audiences in the second half of this year.
[Photo] "Nowhere to Lay My Eyes"
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