Seoul: South Korean auteur Lee Chang-dong's latest feature, "Possible Love," clinched the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the Venice International Film Festival, marking another triumph for Korean cinema.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the film, featuring a star-studded cast including Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Zo In-sung, and Cho Yeo-jeong, received the accolade during the closing ceremony of the festival's 83rd edition held in Venice. This victory is significant as it marks the first time a Korean film has won a prize at this prestigious festival since Kim Ki-duk's "Pieta" secured the Golden Lion in 2012.
For director Lee Chang-dong, this win comes over two decades after his film "Oasis" earned the Silver Lion for best director, with its lead actress Moon So-ri receiving the Marcello Mastroianni Award for emerging actors back in 2002. "Possible Love," Lee's first feature film in eight years following the success of "Burning" (2018), explores the interconnected lives of a laid-off worker and his wife, as well as a documentary maker and her wealthy husband.
After its world premiere at Venice, "Possible Love" garnered a seven-minute standing ovation and rave reviews, highlighting its impact on audiences. Meanwhile, the festival's top honor, the Golden Lion for Best Film, was awarded to May el-Toukhy's drama "Woman Unknown," which also earned the best actress award. The jury at this year's festival was led by American director-actor Maggie Gyllenhaal.
The Venice International Film Festival is renowned globally, standing alongside other prominent festivals such as Cannes and Berlin. "Possible Love" is scheduled for release in South Korea on September 23 and will be available for streaming on Netflix starting November 6.
Source: Yonhap News Agency