Finecut Secures Global Deals

Seoul-based sales agency Finecut has closed a series of new territory agreements for two recent Korean films. The deals expand the commercial reach of director Hong Sangsoo’s latest feature and the first starring role for actor Justin H. Min in a Korean production. These acquisitions follow initial sales and festival premieres that positioned both titles for wider international release.

Hong Sangsoo’s “Nowhere to Lay My Eyes” has secured rights in France, Japan, Argentina, and Portugal. Carlotta Films acquired the French market, while Mimosa Films took Japan. Kligger secured Argentina, and The Stone and the Plot acquired Portugal. These new contracts supplement earlier sales to The Cinema Guild for North America, Filmgarten for Austria, Hugoeast for China, Atalante for Spain, Cola Films for Taiwan, and the Institute of Contemporary Arts for the U.K.

“Journey There,” written and directed by Kim Jin-yu, has found buyers in Taiwan, Japan, Israel, and Mongolia. Andrews Film took the Taiwan rights, and KDDI Corporation acquired Japan. Lev Cinema secured Israel, and Izagur Media acquired Mongolia. Kairos Distribution also purchased inflight rights for the film, which centers on a middle-aged widow navigating unexpected relationships in a new apartment.

Justin H. Min, known for his work in “Beef,” “After Yang,” and “The Umbrella Academy,” stars in “Journey There.” This marks his first leading role in a Korean feature. The film was produced by Kim’s own company, Pado. It is Kim’s second feature, following “Bori,” which won two prizes at the 24th Schlingel International Film Festival.

“Nowhere to Lay My Eyes” is Hong Sangsoo’s 35th feature film. It won best direction, best performance, and the Ecumenical Jury Prize at the 79th Locarno Film Festival. The project reunites Hong with frequent collaborators Kim Minhee and Kwon Haehyo. It also marks his first collaboration with actor Choi Myeonggil, who appeared in the series “Durian’s Affair.” Jeonwonsa Film Co. served as the producer for the project.

“Journey There” opened in South Korea on October 28. The film has since received invitations to the Moscow International Film Festival, the New York Asian Film Festival, and the Paris and London Korean film festivals. Finecut is preparing to present its slate at the American Film Market, which includes the animated feature “Long Long Night.” This title will screen for buyers in its English-dubbed version for the first time.

Finecut’s current slate also includes “Dora,” which was selected for Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight and Busan’s Gala Presentation. Additionally, the agency is offering “Wi-Fi Love in the Palace,” a period fantasy romance starring Kim Young-hoon of the K-pop group The Boyz. These titles join the two newly sold features in the agency’s international distribution portfolio.