Film writer-curator Dennis Lim remarks that in Hong’s films from the past decade, ‘women are the true heroes’, and this was never more true than here. Veteran novelist Junhee (Lee Hye-yeong, In Front of Your Face), has lost her inspiration. She makes a daytrip to a small town where she visits a former colleague and bookstore owner, and this leads to chance encounters – first, a filmmaker who has failed to adapt one of her books, and then actress Kilsoo (luminous Kim Min-hee) who is also questioning her role as an artist. Feeling inspired, Junhee wants to make a short film with Kilsoo.

Prolific festival favourite South Korean writer-director Hong Sang-soo returns with his regular troupe of actors in another sparkling conversation-driven comedy-drama shot (almost entirely) in sumptuous black and white. Delight in Hong’s exploration of artistic inspiration and creativity, filmmaking, writing, and social relationships in the company of old and new friends!

Preceded by short film All Tomorrow’s Parties (Zhang Dalei, China, 24 mins, 2023). China after the 1990 Asian Games. Xiao Zhou works in the state-owned film studios as a receptionist and distributes tickets for the in-house cinema screening.

All Tomorrow’s Parties had its world premiere at the Berlinale International Film Festival 2023, Official Selection, Short Film Competition.

Notes by Marie-Pierre Richard

Screening as part of the East Asia Film Festival Ireland (EAFFI) 2023.