Na Hong-jin's 'HOPE' Headed to Toronto International Film Festival After North American Release

The film "HOPE" has been officially invited to the Midnight Madness section of the 51st Toronto International Film Festival.

The Midnight Madness section of the Toronto International Film Festival showcases original genre films featuring intense concepts and sensory visuals.

"HOPE" was previously invited to the competition section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival, where it premiered to enthusiastic cheers and a standing ovation from global filmmakers. Following that, it was selected as the Centerpiece screening at the 25th New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF), successfully completing its North American premiere. Director Na Hong-jin also received the Daniel A. Craft Award for Excellence in Action Cinema in recognition of his contribution to the development of genre films.

"HOPE" is scheduled to open in North America on September 9 (Wednesday). It is also set to be screened at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, which opens on September 10 and runs through the 20th.

Emerging as a major hit upon its domestic release and captivating theaters this summer, "HOPE" has continued to prove its strong appeal following preview screenings in New York and Los Angeles. Responses included, "As soon as the end credits rolled, everyone in the audience gathered together and started a group discussion," (IMDb_ka* ), "A film that shows the next step for action movies," (IMDb_al), and "The camera, production design, and even Marco Beltrami's music are all fantastic," (X_Li*).

"HOPE" tells the story that begins when Beom-seok, the head of the Hopohang branch office located in the Demilitarized Zone, hears news from local young people that a tiger has appeared, and encounters an unbelievable reality as the entire village goes on high alert. It was released domestically on July 15 and drew 4.29 million moviegoers.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)