Director Hong Sang-soo has been appointed as a jury member for the 78th Cannes International Film Festival, which will take place from May 13 to May 24, 2025. The festival's executive committee announced the list of nine jury members for the competition section on April 28, 2025, via its official website.
French actress Emmanuelle Beart will serve as the jury president, leading a diverse group of film industry figures. Alongside Hong, the jury includes American actress Halle Berry, Indian director Payal Kapadia, Italian actress Alba Rohrwacher, French-Moroccan writer Leïla Slimani, Congolese director Dieudo Hamadi, Mexican director Carlos Reygadas, and American actor Jeremie Laheurte.
This marks the sixth time a Korean filmmaker has participated as a jury member at the Cannes Film Festival. Previous Korean jurors include director Shin Sang-ok in 1994, director Lee Chang-dong in 2009, actress Jeon Do-yeon in 2014, director Park Chan-wook in 2017, and actor Song Kang-ho in 2021.
The Cannes Film Festival has praised Hong Sang-soo, describing him as an indispensable presence at the festival. "Hong Sang-soo, a prolific director who has won numerous international awards, has a deep connection with the Cannes Film Festival. His film 'Claire's Camera' was even filmed in Cannes," the festival noted.
Over the years, Hong has presented four films in the competition section and four in the Un Certain Regard section, showcasing his significant contribution to the festival. His films that competed include 'Woman is the Future of Man' (2004), 'Tale of Cinema' (2005), 'In Another Country' (2012), and 'The Day After' (2017). In addition, his works 'The Power of Kangwon Province' (1998), 'Oh! Soo-jung' (2000), 'Hahaha' (2010), and 'North Face' (2011) were featured in the Un Certain Regard section.
Despite Hong's prominent role in the festival, no Korean feature films have been invited to the official selection this year. However, Jeong Yu-mi's animation 'An Gyeong' has been invited to the Directors' Fortnight short film competition section, while Heo Ga-young's 'First Summer', from the Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA), has been invited to the student film section (Cinéfondation).
The Cannes Film Festival is renowned for its prestigious awards, including the coveted Palme d'Or, which will be announced on the final day of the festival. This year, the competition section features 21 films, but unfortunately, none are from Korea.
As the festival approaches, the film community eagerly anticipates the exciting films and talent that will be showcased. With Hong Sang-soo's inclusion in the jury, there’s a sense of pride and recognition for Korean cinema on the international stage.
In a recent interview, the Cannes Film Festival mentioned, "Hong Sang-soo has been a staple at Cannes for many years, evolving his unique cinematic style while maintaining a close and intimate atmosphere in his films." This acknowledgment reflects the director's ongoing influence and the respect he commands within the global film industry.
As the festival gears up, the film world watches closely, eager to see how the jury will evaluate the competition and which films will take home the prestigious awards. With Hong Sang-soo's experience and insight, the jury is expected to provide a thoughtful and discerning perspective on the films presented.
The Cannes Film Festival not only celebrates cinematic excellence but also serves as a platform for filmmakers from around the world to connect, share their stories, and showcase their talents. As the event draws near, anticipation builds for what promises to be a memorable festival filled with creativity, innovation, and celebration of the art of filmmaking.
