Korean movie “world of lovestruck a distribution deal in China with Light Films Limited, marking a significant breakthrough in a market that had been largely closed to Korean cinema for nearly a decade.
The acquisition of Light Films Limited represents a rare achievement in the current climate as “Oh! My Grandma” was the only Korean film to receive official release in China in the past 10 years when it opened in 2021.
The Chinese distributor specializes in arthouse cinema and has experience curating outstanding films at international film festivals. Some of his notable acquisitions include Kim Do Young's “Kim Ji Young: Born in 1982,” Kore-eda Hirokazu's “Nobody Knows” and Bong Joon Ho's “Parasite.”
“The perspective of this feminist film is completely new,” said Li Na, CEO of Light Films. “Although it explores trauma and its lasting effects, its underlying tone is warm and uplifting, making it all the more moving and uplifting.”
Directed by Yoon Ga-eun, acclaimed for The World of Us (Berlinale 2016) and The House of Us (BFI London 2019), the drama centers on 17-year-old Lee Joon (Seo Soo Bin), an unpredictable high school student whose angry outburst causes ripple effects throughout her world.
The film had its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival and won the Roberto Rossellini Award Jury Prize and the Audience Award. Pingyao International Film FestivalSection “Crouching Tigers”. China's interest has surged following the festival's Asian premiere, generating much buzz and response from local audiences on platforms including Douban.
The film is produced by Semosi and Vol Media, with Barunson E&A, the South Korean studio behind Oscar-winning Parasite and Kim Ji Woon's Cannes film The Web, serving as both presenting studio and sales agent.
China agreement joins previously announced distribution agreements with experienced Japanese distributor Bitters End, Hong Kong's Edko Films and Taiwan's Andrews Film in key Asian territories.
