Director Hong Sang-soo and actress Kim Min-hee have once again earned international recognition, as their latest collaboration, By the Stream, has been officially selected for the 77th Locarno Film Festival. The film will compete in the Concorso Cineasti del presente section, marking another milestone in the duo’s long-standing creative partnership, which began with their 2015 film Right Now, Wrong Then.
By the Stream at the 77th Locarno Film Festival
The 77th Locarno Film Festival, held in Switzerland, announced its official lineup on July 10, 2024, confirming that By the Stream (original Korean title: Suryu) will screen as part of the competition. According to the official festival program, the film follows a woman who asks her university lecturer uncle to help her stage a play. The project is the 32nd feature film written and directed by Hong Sang-soo.
The selection highlights the festival’s continued interest in Hong’s minimalist aesthetic. The Concorso Cineasti del presente category is specifically designed to showcase emerging directors and bold, experimental storytelling. By including Hong in this section, the festival curators emphasize the director’s ongoing influence on contemporary world cinema.
Hong Sang-soo and Kim Min-hee’s Creative Partnership
Kim Min-hee, who has starred in numerous Hong Sang-soo films, serves as the lead in By the Stream. Beyond her acting role, Kim is credited as a production manager for the film, a reflection of the collaborative nature of their work together. The two have maintained a prolific production pace, often releasing one or more features annually.
This appearance at Locarno is not the pair’s first brush with the festival. Hong has previously been a fixture at major European film festivals, including Berlin and Cannes, where his films frequently receive critical praise for their intimate dialogue and structural precision. The reception of By the Stream at Locarno will serve as a key indicator of the film’s trajectory before its wider theatrical or streaming release.
Contextualizing the Festival Selection
The Locarno Film Festival is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious venues for independent cinema, often acting as a launchpad for films that prioritize artistic vision over commercial appeal. For audiences following the "streaming wars," the inclusion of such films in festival circuits remains a critical way to bridge the gap between niche arthouse distribution and global audiences.
Key Details of the Production
- Director/Writer: Hong Sang-soo
- Lead Actress: Kim Min-hee
- Festival Section: Concorso Cineasti del presente
- Festival Dates: August 7–17, 2024
As of July 2024, the film’s inclusion in the Locarno lineup reinforces the status of the Hong-Kim collaboration as a cornerstone of modern Korean independent cinema. While the film’s specific release schedule for domestic and international markets remains subject to future announcements, its festival premiere provides an immediate platform for critical evaluation on the global stage.