Ha Jung-woo is heading to London ― this time as a director.
The 10th London East Asia Film Festival (LEAFF) has selected his fourth feature behind the camera, "The People Upstairs", for its Special Gala section.
"The People Upstairs" follows two couples living upstairs and downstairs whose run-in over noise spirals into a night of razor-sharp banter and awkward revelations. Adapted from the Spanish film "The People Upstairs," the remake showcases Ha’s wit and timing, with an ensemble led by Kong Hyo-jin, Kim Dong-wook, Lee Hanee, and Ha himself.
The film bowed in October in Busan’s Korean Cinema Today - Special Premiere program, playing to sold-out screenings and drawing warm word-of-mouth.
Ahead of its December theatrical release in Korea, the title heads to LEAFF, where Ha will attend the gala screening and take part in an audience Q&A.
Though this is his fourth outing as a director, it marks Ha’s first time meeting audiences at a European festival ― a fitting moment to unveil a Spanish-origin story in London, one of Europe’s cultural hubs.
“After seeing 'The People Upstairs' at the Busan International Film Festival, we knew we wanted it in our lineup,” said Hye-jung Jeon, festival director of LEAFF. “It’s a film about relationships and communication that spotlights Ha Jung-woo’s assured, playful direction. We’re thrilled to present it early to European audiences.”
Since 2016, the London East Asia Film Festival has introduced Asian cinema and culture across the U.K. and Europe while championing emerging filmmakers. This year marks its 10th edition.
The festival runs October 23 to November 2 across major London venues, including Odeon Luxe Leicester Square and the Electric Cinema in Notting Hill.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)