South Korean director Na Hong-jin will compete for the Palme d’Or with his sci-fi film "Hope" at the Cannes Film Festival [1].
The selection highlights the continuing global influence of Korean cinema and the prestige of the festival's most coveted prize. As the 79th [2] edition of the event opens today, May 12, 2026 [3], the film represents a significant entry for South Korean cinema on the world stage.
Festival organizers said the invitation was issued on April 9, 2026 [4]. The competition takes place in Cannes, France, where the film is expected to contribute to a strong showing of Korean productions [5].
Industry interest in the project has already extended to distribution. Mubi has acquired rights for the film across multiple territories, including Latin America, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Turkey [6].
Na Hong-jin's transition into the science-fiction genre with "Hope" marks a pivotal moment in his career. The film's inclusion in the main competition suggests that the jury views the work as a top contender for the festival's highest honor.
“Na Hong-jin's sci-fi film "Hope" has been invited to compete for the Palme d’Or.”
The inclusion of 'Hope' in the competition for the Palme d'Or signals a strategic shift for Na Hong-jin toward high-concept genre filmmaking. By securing distribution through Mubi in several European and Latin American markets before the festival's opening, the film has already established a commercial footprint that precedes its critical reception in France.
