Finecut has sold Journey There, starring Justin H. Min, to multiple territories, and closed further deals on Hong Sangsoo’s Nowhere To Lay My Eyes.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how many ways a film can be sold internationally, then boy, do I have news for you! Finecut, a Seoul-based sales company, has just made some pretty impressive moves in the film distribution game. They’ve secured international distribution deals for two films: Journey There, featuring the talented Justin H. Min, and Nowhere to Lay My Eyes, directed by the renowned Hong Sangsoo.
First up, let’s talk about Journey There. This film, directed by Kim Jin-yu, is not just another flick about life after loss; it’s a whole emotional rollercoaster that follows a woman trying to navigate the choppy waters of grief. Sounds like a fun night at the movies, right? But seriously, it’s a poignant story that’s resonating well enough to land distribution deals in Japan, Taiwan, Mongolia, Israel, and even for inflight rights with Kairos Distribution. So next time you’re crammed into a tiny airplane seat, you might just have this gem to keep you company.
Now, if you’re thinking that’s impressive, wait until you hear about Nowhere to Lay My Eyes. This film has the honor of being directed by Hong Sangsoo, who, if you haven’t heard of him, is kind of a big deal in the indie film circuit. His films often tackle complex themes with a touch of humor (and sometimes a lot of awkwardness), which is always a delightful combo. Although the details about its plot are a bit murky, it won the Locarno Film Festival, so you know it’s not just another forgettable indie flick.
The announcement of these deals came during TIFFCOM, a content market that’s happening alongside the Tokyo International Film Festival. It’s basically a place where filmmakers and distributors gather to shake hands, share awkward small talk, and hopefully secure some lucrative deals. Picture a bustling marketplace, but instead of fruits and vegetables, you have films and distribution rights being tossed around like hotcakes.
Finecut’s ability to land these deals is a testament to the rising global interest in Korean cinema. With the success of films like Parasite and Minari, it seems that audiences everywhere are eager to dive into stories that challenge cultural norms and offer fresh perspectives.
So, whether you’re an avid film buff or just someone looking to avoid watching the same rom-com for the hundredth time, keep an eye out for Journey There and Nowhere to Lay My Eyes. Who knows? You might just find your next favorite film in this exciting wave of international cinema. And if you happen to catch it on a flight, well, consider it a win-win situation—great entertainment and an excuse to ignore your seatmate.
In conclusion, here’s to Finecut for making big moves and to all the filmmakers out there who continue to push the envelope. Now, if only they could figure out how to deliver a decent snack on those flights, we’d really be onto something!
Inspired by: “Tokyo: Finecut Inks Deals for Justin H. Min’s ‘Journey There,’ Hong Sangsoo’s ‘Nowhere to Lay My Ey…” (r/Entertainment)