Lee Chang-dong on His Eight-Year Gap Before Venice-Bound ‘Possible Love’ and MIFFest Lifetime Achievement Honor: ‘Thanks to Cinema, I Feel Connected to Something Much Bigger’
Eight years after “Burning,” Lee Chang-dong is preparing to return with Venice competition title “Possible Love,” but the acclaimed Korean filmmaker says the long gap was never about stepping away from cinema. Speaking with Variety at the Malaysia International Film Festival (MIF
The return of Lee Chang-dong to the film scene is making waves, particularly with his new film "Possible Love" competing at the prestigious Venice Film Festival. What's notable here is not just the film itself, but the eight-year gap between his previous film "Burning" and this new project. For context, "Burning" was a critical success, earning several Academy Award nominations and solidifying Lee's reputation as a master filmmaker.
The gap between films might seem significant, but as Lee explains, it wasn't a deliberate step back from cinema. This hints at a possibly thoughtful and meticulous approach to his craft, where he's taken time to reflect and recharge. Given his reputation for crafting nuanced, emotionally charged films, it's likely that "Possible Love" will be worth the wait. The fact that he's being honored with a lifetime achievement award at the Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) further underscores his influence and contributions to world cinema.
As the film festival circuit heats up, all eyes will be on "Possible Love" and how it resonates with audiences and critics alike. With Venice as a key platform for launching films into the awards season, "Possible Love" is poised for significant attention. To watch next: how "Possible Love" is received in Venice and whether it will follow in the footsteps of "Burning" in terms of critical acclaim and awards success. Additionally, Lee's reflections on his creative process and what inspired the long gap between films could offer valuable insights into the mind of this acclaimed director.
Originally reported by variety.com. VeniceNews adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.