Director Ha Myeong-mi, who broke out with "Her Hobby," returns this November with her new feature, "Halllan."
Set in 1948 on Jeju Island, the film follows a mother and daughter who brave mountains and sea in a fight to survive.
The first teaser poster, unveiled on the 15th, shows Kim Hyang-gi and newcomer Kim Min-chae clasping hands in a downpour―an arresting glimpse of their journey. Paired with the line, "A mother and daughter who crossed Jeju’s mountains and sea in 1948," the art spotlights Kim’s turn as a steely mother and hints at the peril facing her young daughter.
Sharing a raincoat as they push forward, the duo evokes the era’s turmoil and heartbreak while teasing Kim’s transformation into a resilient Jeju woman. The child’s gaze even recalls Kim’s own early screen days, promising intimate mother-daughter chemistry between the two.
Named after the winter-blooming orchid that grows on Hallasan, "Halllan" channels that symbol of endurance to explore the sanctity of life through a mother and daughter seeking refuge in the Hallasan highlands.
The project marks Kim Hyang-gi’s return to the big screen following the blockbuster "Along With the Gods" franchise and the acclaimed "Innocent Witness." She plays Ah-jin, a Jeju haenyeo (female free diver) willing to risk everything for her daughter, Haesaeng.
Haesaeng is portrayed by rising child actor Kim Min-chae, whose resemblance to Kim and nuanced performance are poised to leave a strong impression.
Writer-director Ha Myeong-mi, a two-time winner at the 27th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival for her debut "Her Hobby," delivers a finely tuned narrative that revisits Jeju 1948 with empathy and purpose.
Recognized from the script stage, "Halllan" was selected for Jeju Content Agency’s 2024 diversity film fund and the Korean Film Council’s independent/art film support for new directors. It was invited to the 30th Aichi International Women’s Film Festival in September, drawing a warm response, and has also been chosen for IndieCinema distribution support from the Gyeonggi Content Agency as it moves toward release.
"Halllan," starring Kim Hyang-gi, opens in November.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)