As the global film industry converges on Berlin for the European Film Market (EFM), Korean sales powerhouse Finecut is once again at the forefront, showcasing a meticulously curated slate that underscores the vibrant diversity and increasing international appeal of Korean cinema. With a strategic blend of acclaimed auteur works, high-concept animated features, and compelling genre films, Finecut has bolstered its EFM offerings with two significant acquisitions: the visually ambitious 3D animated feature Long Long Night and the latest introspective creation from celebrated director Hong Sangsoo, The Day She Returns. These additions not only elevate Finecut’s already impressive catalog but also reflect the company’s astute ability to identify and champion projects poised for global recognition, spanning both critical acclaim and commercial success.
Finecut, a venerable institution in the Korean film export landscape, has long served as a crucial bridge connecting Korean filmmakers with international distributors and audiences. Their consistent presence at major film markets and festivals worldwide has cemented their reputation as a tastemaker and a reliable source of quality content. The EFM, held concurrently with the prestigious Berlin Film Festival, offers an unparalleled platform for sales and networking, making Finecut’s strategic announcements particularly impactful in shaping the year’s cinematic discourse. The dual nature of their lead acquisitions — a family-friendly animation and a critically revered art-house drama — highlights a comprehensive approach to market engagement, appealing to a broad spectrum of buyers and demonstrating the multifaceted strengths of Korean storytelling.
One of Finecut’s headline acquisitions, Long Long Night, promises to be a poignant and visually stunning animated epic. This 3D animated feature is an adaptation of an extraordinarily successful Korean novel that has captivated readers across generations, selling an impressive 700,000 copies locally. The novel’s resonance is not merely a commercial phenomenon; it has also garnered significant literary accolades, including the coveted Grand Prize at the 2020 Munhakdongne Children’s Literature Award, a testament to its profound narrative and artistic merit. Further solidifying its international appeal, the book earned a distinguished spot on the International Youth Library’s 2021 White Ravens list in Munich, an annual selection of outstanding children’s and youth books from around the world. This recognition speaks volumes about the story’s universal themes and its potential to transcend cultural boundaries.
The narrative of Long Long Night is both timely and timeless, drawing inspiration from the real-life tragedy of Sudan, the last surviving northern white rhino on Earth. The film centers on the poignant journey of the last rhino of his kind, who forms an unlikely friendship with a penguin hatched from an abandoned egg. Together, this improbable duo embarks on a perilous and heartwarming odyssey towards the vast, open ocean. This premise offers a powerful commentary on environmental conservation, the fragility of life, and the enduring power of companionship in the face of adversity. For audiences, especially women who often champion causes related to nature and social responsibility, the film’s underlying message of hope and resilience, coupled with its environmental consciousness, is likely to resonate deeply. The story’s proven success across various formats, including international book editions released in Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Türkiye, with a Chinese version forthcoming, and even a stage musical adaptation, underscores its robust intellectual property and global storytelling potential.
Under the visionary direction of Youm Kyu-bock, Long Long Night is pushing the boundaries of animated storytelling. The production team is leveraging Unreal Engine, a state-of-the-art real-time 3D creation platform renowned for its hyper-realistic rendering capabilities. This technological choice promises to deliver breathtakingly detailed imagery, immersing audiences in a world that is both fantastical and strikingly lifelike. The commitment to such advanced visual fidelity suggests an ambition to create an animation that rivals the highest international standards, appealing to discerning viewers who appreciate both artistic integrity and technological innovation. Currently in production, the film is a collaborative effort by Googgoog and Studio Eon, with presentation by The Contents On, signaling a concerted effort to bring this significant project to fruition. Its presence at EFM signifies Finecut’s confidence in its broad market appeal, from theatrical distribution to streaming platforms, positioning it as a major contender in the global family entertainment landscape.
Complementing this animated spectacle is The Day She Returns, the latest offering from the legendary auteur Hong Sangsoo. Marking his 34th feature film, this selection for the Panorama section at the 76th Berlin Film Festival is a testament to Hong’s unparalleled consistency and enduring relevance in the world of art-house cinema. His presence at the Berlinale for a remarkable seventh consecutive year is a rare achievement, solidifying his status as a festival darling and a master of his craft. Hong Sangsoo’s distinctive cinematic style, characterized by its minimalist aesthetic, observational storytelling, and often meta-narrative explorations of human relationships, desire, and the creative process, has garnered him a dedicated international following and consistent critical acclaim. His films often subtly dissect the nuances of everyday life, presenting characters who grapple with self-doubt, longing, and existential questions, often set against the backdrop of the film industry itself.
The Day She Returns delves into the intricate world of an actor navigating the choppy waters of a comeback. The narrative follows her as she undertakes a series of promotional interviews for her new film, a process that unexpectedly proves more challenging and revealing than anticipated. This premise offers fertile ground for Hong Sangsoo’s signature introspective style, exploring themes of public perception versus private reality, the vulnerability inherent in artistic endeavors, and the pressures faced by women in the entertainment industry. The film reunites Hong with the talented actress Song Sunmi, whose previous collaboration with the director in In Our Day (2023) earned significant accolades, notably closing the prestigious Cannes Directors’ Fortnight. Such continued partnerships between Hong and his actors often yield performances of profound depth and authenticity, further enhancing the film’s artistic merit. Following its highly anticipated world premiere at the Berlinale, The Day She Returns is slated for a theatrical release in the first half of 2026, a trajectory typical for auteur films that build momentum through festival exposure before engaging with a wider, discerning audience. Produced by Jeonwonsa Film Co., this film is poised to continue Hong Sangsoo’s legacy of thought-provoking and critically celebrated cinema.
Finecut’s EFM slate extends far beyond these two marquee acquisitions, showcasing the breadth and depth of contemporary Korean filmmaking. Among the additional titles generating buzz is Tristes Tropiques, an action-noir from the acclaimed genre director Park Hoon-jung. Known for his gritty, stylized thrillers and compelling narratives, Park Hoon-jung’s latest is currently in post-production, promising a visceral cinematic experience. The initial cut of the film garnered early recognition, premiering in the Órbita Competition section at Sitges, a renowned international film festival celebrated for its focus on fantasy, horror, and genre cinema. This early festival validation signals Tristes Tropiques as a strong contender in the international action market.
Further enriching the lineup is Journey There, a poignant drama that explores universal themes of human connection and end-of-life decisions. The film features Justin H. Min, a rising star recognized for his role in Netflix’s global hit The Umbrella Academy, lending significant international appeal. Journey There tells the story of an elderly woman who, in navigating profound life choices, finds unexpected comfort and solace among strangers. This narrative promises an emotionally resonant experience, exploring themes of empathy, community, and the human spirit. Its artistic quality has already been acknowledged, having won two prestigious awards at the Busan International Film Festival, one of Asia’s most significant film events.
The EFM slate is further rounded out by Wrangler, a psychological thriller that delves into the unraveling mind of a dog trainer whose meticulously controlled life begins to descend into chaos. This film taps into the enduring appeal of psychological thrillers, exploring themes of obsession, control, and the fragility of the human psyche. Its invitation to the Vancouver International Film Festival underscores its potential to captivate international audiences with its intricate plot and compelling character study.
Finally, Finecut presents Time of Cinema, an ambitious anthology film that showcases the diverse talents of three distinct Korean directors: Lee Jong-pil, Yoon Ga-eun, and Jang Kun-jae. Anthology films offer a unique opportunity to explore varied perspectives and styles within a single cinematic experience, often providing a snapshot of a nation’s filmmaking landscape. By featuring multiple voices, Time of Cinema not only highlights the individual brilliance of these directors but also collectively demonstrates the rich storytelling traditions and innovative approaches currently thriving in Korean cinema.
Finecut’s robust and diverse EFM slate is a clear indicator of Korean cinema’s sustained momentum on the global stage. By meticulously selecting projects that range from culturally significant animated epics with global appeal to critically revered auteur dramas, and from high-octane genre thrillers to deeply personal character studies, Finecut continues to solidify its position as a pivotal player in the international film market. This strategic curation not only maximizes sales potential across different market segments but also reinforces the narrative of Korean cinema as a powerhouse of creativity, innovation, and diverse storytelling, continually pushing boundaries and captivating audiences worldwide. As the EFM unfolds, Finecut’s offerings are poised to generate significant buzz, charting new global paths for these remarkable Korean films and further cementing their place in the hearts and minds of international cinephiles.
