Neon Boosts Cannes Competition with Na Hong-Jin’s ‘Hope’
Neon has secured North American and English-language rights to “Hope,” the latest film from acclaimed director Na Hong-Jin, enhancing its presence in the Cannes Film Festival competition. This marks Neon’s fifth entry in this prestigious lineup.
About “Hope” and Its Plot
“Hope” is set in a fictional village, Hope Harbor, located near the Demilitarized Zone. The story revolves around police chief Bum-seok, who faces a troubling situation when youths report a tiger sighting in the area. As panic unfolds among the villagers, Bum-seok must confront an unsettling reality.
The Cast
- Hwang Jung-min (Deliver Us from Evil)
- Zo In-sung (Moving)
- Hoyeon (Squid Game)
- Alicia Vikander (Ex Machina)
- Michael Fassbender (Steve Jobs)
- Taylor Russell (Bones and All)
- Cameron Britton (Umbrella Academy)
Neon’s Cannes Film Slate
With this acquisition, Neon’s total film count at this year’s festival reaches six. Other titles they are showcasing include:
- Arthur Harari’s “The Unknown”
- Cristian Mungiu’s “Fjord”
- Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s “All of a Sudden”
- Hirokazu Koreeda’s “Sheep in the Box” (Competition)
- Nicolas Winding Refn’s “Her Private Hell” (Out of Competition)
Na Hong-Jin’s Cannes History
This marks Na Hong-Jin’s fourth visit to the Cannes Film Festival. He previously presented:
- “The Wailing” (Out of Competition, 2016)
- “The Yellow Sea” (Un Certain Regard, 2011)
- “The Chaser” (Out of Competition, 2008)
Production and Deal Details
“Hope” is both written and directed by Na Hong-Jin and produced by him alongside Saemi Kim and Saerom Kim for Forged Films. The film’s executive producers include Jeongin Hong and co-executive producer Eugene Kim, with financing from Plus M Entertainment. The licensing deal was negotiated by UTA Independent Film Group and Sarah Colvin on behalf of Neon.
Statements from Plus M Entertainment
Eugene Kim, Head of Content at Plus M Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting Neon’s reputation for selecting impactful global films. Kim noted the genre-bending qualities of “Hope” and anticipated its significant reception among North American viewers.
News of Neon’s involvement with “Hope” circulated on social media and was initially confirmed by Variety, underscoring the film’s excitement ahead of its festival debut.
