International buyers have picked up several key distribution rights for the South Korean feature "Journey There," starring Justin H. Min, along with auteur Hong Sangsoo’s festival favorite "Nowhere To Lay My Eyes." Seoul-based international sales company Finecut finalized the transactions during the recent Asian Contents & Film Market held in Busan, ensuring broader global reach for both projects across multiple continents.
Min, widely recognized for his performances in Netflix’s "The Umbrella Academy" and "Beef" as well as the independent feature "After Yang," makes his debut in South Korean cinema with "Journey There." The actor's transition into Korean-language filmmaking has attracted considerable international buyer attention across several overseas theatrical territories.
International Distribution Deals for 'Journey There' and 'Nowhere To Lay My Eyes'
| Film Title | Territory / Platform | Distributor |
|---|---|---|
| Journey There | Japan | KDDI Corporation |
| Journey There | Taiwan | Andrews Film |
| Journey There | Mongolia | Izagur Media |
| Journey There | Israel | Lev Cinema |
| Journey There | Inflight | Kairos Distribution |
| Nowhere To Lay My Eyes | France | Carlotta Films |
| Nowhere To Lay My Eyes | Japan | Mimosa Films |
| Nowhere To Lay My Eyes | Portugal | The Stone And The Plot |
| Nowhere To Lay My Eyes | Argentina | Kligger |
| Nowhere To Lay My Eyes | North America | The Cinema Guild |
| Nowhere To Lay My Eyes | United Kingdom | ICA |
| Nowhere To Lay My Eyes | Spain | Atalante |
Global Buyers Secure Rights to 'Journey There'
Sales representation for "Journey There" has resulted in deals spanning Asia and the Middle East. Finecut confirmed agreements that send the feature to Japan via KDDI Corporation, Taiwan through Andrews Film, and Mongolia with Izagur Media. Additionally, Lev Cinema secured distribution rights for Israel, while Kairos Distribution acquired worldwide inflight rights for airline entertainment.
Directed by Kim Jin-yu, "Journey There" tells the story of a middle-aged woman who, following the loss of her husband, starts preparing for an independent journey, only to discover unexpected bonds forming in her new apartment complex. The feature represents the second directorial outing for Kim, whose debut effort "Bori" earned dual awards at the Schlingel International Film Festival.
Produced under Kim’s Pado production banner, the film previously built momentum on the international circuit with screenings at both the Moscow International Film Festival and the New York Asian Film Festival. Domestic audiences received the project ahead of foreign rollouts, with the South Korean theatrical release scheduled for October 28.
Hong Sangsoo's Award-Winning Feature Expands Its Reach
Alongside the sales for Min's project, Finecut expanded global availability for Hong Sangsoo's "Nowhere To Lay My Eyes." The movie arrives in foreign markets bolstered by notable critical acclaim from the Locarno Film Festival, where it secured honors for Best Direction, Best Performance, and the Ecumenical Jury Prize.
The newly announced sales package includes distribution pacts for France with Carlotta Films, Japan with Mimosa Films, Portugal with The Stone And The Plot, and Argentina with Kligger. These agreements add to previously secured distribution partnerships across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, including The Cinema Guild in North America, ICA in the United Kingdom, Atalante in Spain, Hugoeast in China, Filmgarten in Austria, and Cola Films in Taiwan.
Finecut Sets Sight on Upcoming American Film Market Slate
Following negotiations at the Asian Contents & Film Market, Finecut is preparing to present an expanded roster of titles to prospective distributors at the American Film Market in Los Angeles. The upcoming slate includes diverse genres, ranging from animated festival selections to mainstream romantic cinema.
Among the featured projects headed to AFM is the animated title "Long Long Night," which recently concluded festival appearances in Toronto, Busan, and Sitges. The sales firm will also shop "Dora," a title selected for Cannes Directors' Fortnight, alongside the fantasy romance project "Wi-Fi Love In The Palace," which features actor Kim Young-hoon.
With distribution agreements now finalized across multiple continents, international theatrical rollouts and festival follow-ups for both "Journey There" and "Nowhere To Lay My Eyes" will proceed through their respective territorial partners as marketing efforts shift toward the Los Angeles market.
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Source: Deadline
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