Isabelle Huppert Attends New Film Press Conference
"Believes in the Natural Process of Filmmaking"
Production Chief Kim Minhee 'Absent Due to Personal Schedule'
Director Hong Sangsoo visited the Berlin International Film Festival for the fifth consecutive year with his new film, The Novelist's Film. His partner, Kim Minhee, who participated as the production manager for the film, did not accompany him this year. This is the second time she has not joined him at an overseas film festival, following last year's Cannes Film Festival.
Director Hong Sangsoo attending the 74th Berlin International Film Festival [Photo by AP·Yonhap News]
On the 19th (local time), Director Hong attended the press conference for the 74th Berlin International Film Festival film The Novelist's Film at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Berlin, Germany, along with lead actress Isabelle Huppert. On this day, Director Hong said, "I don't think I have to make a film in a certain way. I don't shoot with the audience in mind either. It's not for a reason; I believe in the natural process of making a film."
Director Hong adopts a directing style in which the dialogue between characters in the film conveys his own story through monologues. Regarding this, he explained, "The things inside me are expressed day by day." When asked about portraying the loneliness of an older actress, he replied with a smile, "I don't really know, but I think that feeling came to me," adding, "It might sound irresponsible, but even I don't know what I'm doing."
The Novelist's Film is the 31st feature film directed by Hong Sangsoo. It depicts the story of Iris (played by Isabelle Huppert), who came to Korea from France, teaching French to Koreans and living while drinking Makgeolli. The lead role of Iris was played by French actress Isabelle Huppert. This is her third collaboration with Director Hong, following In Another Country (2012) and Claire's Camera (2018). Huppert said, "Director Hong's working method is unique," adding, "Since there is no role within the story, it is difficult to project oneself into the story and the world. I like this aspect." Director Hong responded about Huppert, "She is brave and smart," and said, "I trust her as a person and as an artist."
Director Hong Sangsoo and Kim Minhee on the red carpet at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival [Photo by AFP·Yonhap News]
Kim Minhee, who developed a romantic relationship with Director Hong through the film Right Now, Wrong Then (2015), participated as the production manager in Hong's new film but did not accompany him to the Berlin International Film Festival. It is known that Kim Minhee was absent due to a previously scheduled personal commitment.
Kim Minhee has shown affection by attending many official film festival events with Director Hong, but recently she has attracted attention for different reasons. In February last year, she attended the "Hong Sangsoo Retrospective" held in Paris, France, wearing coordinated outfits, which drew attention. However, three months later, in May of last year, Director Hong attended the Cannes Film Festival alone without Kim Minhee. She also did not accompany him to this year's Berlin International Film Festival, drawing interest.
Director Hong married in 1985 and has a daughter. He filed for divorce mediation against his wife in 2016, but it was unsuccessful, and the divorce lawsuit was dismissed in 2019. Kim Minhee and Director Hong have been in a romantic relationship for nine years since 2016.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
