"Emergency Declaration" Premieres at Cannes and Lands in Summer Market... Han Jae-rim's Determined Comeback

Movie 'Emergency Declaration' Press Screening
74th Cannes Film Festival Official Selection
6-Minute Edited Version, Enhanced Quality

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] The film "Emergency Declaration," which made waves at the 74th Cannes Film Festival last year, has landed in the summer market after one year. Director Han Jae-rim, the "storyteller," appears to have repeatedly pondered ways to enhance the film's completeness following its Cannes screening.

On the afternoon of the 25th, at the press screening of the movie "Emergency Declaration" held at Megabox COEX in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Director Han said, "Before entering the venue, I recalled last year's Cannes Film Festival. I remembered anxiously waiting for the screening with the actors and discussing the work. Time really flies."

The film "Emergency Declaration," unveiled that day, depicts the story of a plane that declares an unconditional landing due to an unprecedented aviation terror and the people confronting the disaster. It was directed by Han Jae-rim, known for "The Face Reader" (2013) and "The King" (2019).

The casting alone drew intense attention. Actors Song Kang-ho, Lee Byung-hun, Jeon Do-yeon, Kim Nam-gil, and Im Si-wan fill the film with flawless performances.

The film was invited to the non-competitive section of the 74th Cannes Film Festival in July last year and screened there. The domestic version revealed through the press screening after one year has been trimmed by about six minutes.

Director Han Jae-rim said, "There is almost no difference between the Cannes screening version and the edited version," adding, "I emphasized a shorter pace and rhythm to better convey the urgency." He also revealed that more time was devoted to sound and visual effects work to enhance the film.

The ending scene differs somewhat from the Cannes version. The director emphasized, "I wanted to evoke various thoughts." He added, "Some may see it as a happy ending, while others might wonder, 'What does this mean?' I wanted to focus more on the meaning that disasters give us."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Song Kang-ho emphasized the meaning embedded in the film. He explained, "The nature of disasters carries many implications. The film impressively presents the story of disaster in a mature way. Rather than delivering it provocatively through gimmicks or superficial expressions, it conveys it with gravity." He continued, "Disasters should not happen, but through them, I wanted to talk about precious points concerning the social community. I wanted to calmly express thoughts about family and neighbors."

Director Han Jae-rim reflects humanity through disaster. "On a small scale, family; on a larger scale, many people fear disasters they may experience. I wanted to focus on small choices as a human being who fears disaster. These choices are not heroic, but I concentrated on them. People who have survived disasters still suffer from trauma. There is also a symbolic aspect in Korean society. I wanted to show life after disaster and how to overcome it."