Hong Sang-soo and Kim Min-hee Return to Locarno With New Film 'Nowhere to Lay My Eyes'

Director Hong Sang-soo and actress Kim Min-hee are heading back to Switzerland's Locarno Film Festival. The film marks Kim Min-hee's first on-screen role in about two years, following the birth of her son.

According to production company Jeonwonsa Film on July 10, Hong Sang-soo's 35th feature "Nowhere to Lay My Eyes" has been officially invited to the international competition section of the 79th Locarno Film Festival.

"Nowhere to Lay My Eyes" follows Sang-hee, who was raised by her grandparents after her parents divorced when she was young. The story unfolds as she travels with her younger brother to visit their mother, who has settled on Jeju Island. Hong Sang-soo handled directing, writing, cinematography, sound, editing, and music. Kim Min-hee took part as both an actress and production manager. The cast includes Kwon Hae-hyo, Shin Seok-ho, and Park Mi-so, along with Choi Myung-gil, who joins a Hong Sang-soo film for the first time.

The invitation marks Hong's fifth entry in Locarno's international competition. He previously competed with "Our Sunhi" (2013), "Right Now, Wrong Then" (2015), "Hotel by the River" (2018), and "By the Stream" (2024).

Hong has a strong track record at the festival. In 2015, "Right Now, Wrong Then" won the Golden Leopard, Locarno's top prize, and Jung Jae-young took home the best actor award. In 2024, Kim Min-hee won the best performance prize for "By the Stream." Attention now turns to whether the new film will bring another award home.

The project also carries weight for Kim Min-hee. She is returning to the screen after giving birth last year, roughly two years since her last acting role. She previously worked only as production manager on "What Does That Nature Say to You" and "The Day She Returns," but steps back in front of the camera with this film.

The couple has also drawn attention in recent weeks. Last month, Hong Sang-soo and Kim Min-hee were spotted taking a walk with their son in a stroller in the Misa area of Hanam, Gyeonggi Province. Their son, now more than a year old, has visibly grown, and the photos generated wide public interest.

The 79th Locarno Film Festival runs from August 5 to 15 in Locarno, Switzerland. "Nowhere to Lay My Eyes" is scheduled for a domestic release in South Korea in the second half of this year.