The 79th [1] Cannes Film Festival opened Tuesday, May 12, 2026, with Director Na Hong-jin’s new film “Hope” entering the main competition [2].
The entry is a significant milestone for South Korean cinema, which has not had a film in the main competition for four years [1]. Given Na’s previous success with “The Wailing,” the industry is watching to see if the film can secure a major award.
The opening ceremony took place at 7 p.m. [2] local time at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, specifically within the Lumière Grand Theatre [2]. The event brought together global cinema leaders, including Cannes Executive Committee Chair Thierry Frémaux.
Na’s return to the festival is notable because “Hope” is his first feature film in 10 years [1]. This long hiatus has increased anticipation surrounding the project and its potential to challenge for the Palme d’Or.
The festival's leadership has highlighted the unique intersection of Korean talent this year. Thierry Frémaux said that the festival has a Korean jury president, Park Chan-wook, while Na Hong-jin’s film is simultaneously competing in the main category [2].
“We have a Korean jury president (Park Chan-wook), and Director Na Hong-jin's film, which the president will judge, has entered the competition,” Frémaux said [2].
The competition remains the most prestigious segment of the festival, where the jury decides the winner of the highest prize in cinema. Na’s presence in the lineup signals a renewed push for Korean filmmakers to regain their footing on the global stage after several years of absence from the top prize contention.
“The film marks the first time in four years a Korean production has entered the main competition.”
The return of a high-profile Korean director to the main competition after a four-year gap suggests a strategic resurgence for South Korean cinema at European festivals. With Park Chan-wook presiding over the jury, the presence of Na Hong-jin creates a rare internal dynamic where a national cinematic peer will influence the awarding of the Palme d’Or.
