Seoul-based sales company Finecut concluded a robust slate of international territory agreements, securing distribution deals for Justin H. Min’s starring vehicle Journey There and Hong Sangsoo’s triple Locarno winner Nowhere to Lay My Eyes.
Global Buyers Circle Justin H. Min’s First Korean Production
The market activity marked a significant milestone for Journey There, which represents the first Korean film production for actor Justin H. Min, widely known for his work in Netflix’s Beef, The Umbrella Academy, and Kogonada’s After Yang. Helmed by director Kim Jin-yu, the film centers on a grieving middle-aged widow who plans her own personal voyage, only to stumble upon surprising bonds within her new residence. The feature is produced by Kim’s company Pado, following his second feature Bori. Finecut secured agreements with Japan’s KDDI Corporation, Israel’s Lev Cinema, Mongolia’s Izagur Media, and Taiwan’s Andrews Film, alongside inflight rights acquired by Kairos Distribution. The drama rolled out commercially in South Korea on October 28 following festival runs in Moscow and New York, with upcoming festival invitations set for Paris and London.
Hong Sangsoo’s Locarno Champion Expands Western and Asian Footprint
Simultaneously, Finecut expanded the global reach of Hong Sangsoo’s 35th feature, Nowhere to Lay My Eyes. The film swept three major honors at the 79th Locarno Film Festival—taking home best direction, best performance for Kim Minhee, and the independent Ecumenical Jury Prize. The plot follows a sister who embarks on a journey alongside her brother to see their mother on Jeju Island after ten years apart. Produced by Jeonwonsa Film Co., the project reunites Hong with regular collaborators Kim Minhee and Kwon Haehyo, alongside his first collaboration with Choi Myeonggil. New territorial pacts were sealed with Carlotta Films for France, Mimosa Films for Japan, Kligger for Argentina, and The Stone and the Plot for Portugal. These agreements build upon previously announced international acquisitions covering North America, the U.K., Austria, China, Spain, and Taiwan.
| Film Title | Director | Key Cast | New International Territories Secured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journey There | Kim Jin-yu | Justin H. Min | Japan (KDDI), Taiwan (Andrews Film), Israel (Lev Cinema), Mongolia (Izagur Media) |
| Nowhere to Lay My Eyes | Hong Sangsoo | Kim Minhee, Kwon Haehyo, Choi Myeonggil | France (Carlotta Films), Japan (Mimosa Films), Argentina (Kligger), Portugal (The Stone and the Plot) |
Finecut Transitions Slate Toward the American Film Market
Finecut is pivoting its international sales efforts toward the upcoming American Film Market. The sales company’s upcoming market slate features the animated film Long Long Night, which is slated for its first market screening in an English-dubbed version following festival selections in Toronto, Busan, and Sitges. Additional titles on the roster include July Jung’s Cannes Directors’ Fortnight selection Dora and the fantasy period romance Wi-Fi Love in the Palace, which stars Kim Young-hoon of the K-pop group The Boyz.
