South Korean Thriller ‘The Witch' sells to multiple territories
SOUTH Korean thriller ‘The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion' is sold to Japan, Hong Kong and other Asian territories.
South Korean sales banner Finecut announced a flurry of deals for 'The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion' over the weekend.
The film directed by Park Hoon-jung was sold to Japan (Culture Entertainment); Hong Kong & Macau, Singapore, Malaysia & Brunei, Indonesia and Thailand (CJ E&M Hong Kong); the Philippines (Octoarts Films); Taiwan (Eagle International Communications); and Poland (Mayfly).
A stylish mystery action film with supernatural intrigue, 'The Witch' received its international premiere at Fantasia International Film Festival where it picked up the Silver Audience Award for Best Action Film. Its leading actress Kim Da-mi took home the Cheval Noir for Best Actress Award.
Kim plays the role of a young girl who narrowly escapes a massacre at a research facility and loses all her memory. Years later, the teen finds herself on the run again from threatening strangers, and puts her supernatural abilities to use.
The film garnered over 3 million admissions at the home box office grossing over US$24 million, proving to be hit during the busy summer seasons.
Director Park has crafted a reputation for noir titles including the gangster film 'New World' (2013) and interKorean thriller 'V.I.P.' (2017). Presented by Warner Bros. Pictures, 'The Witch' is produced by the director Park's own production company, Gold Moon Film, and is co-produced by peppermint&company, Inc.
Meanwhile, another South Korean thriller 'The Negotiation' will hit US theatres at the end of the month, CJ Entertainment announced.
The film starring A-listers Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin will open first in L.A. and Buena Park on Sept. 20 followed by a wider release in cities across US and Canada on Sept. 28.
Son plays the role of a top police investigator Chae-youn who is reputed for handling any situation cool-headedly. But a hostage situation goes awry with the victims getting killed right before her eyes. Ten days after the incident, a notorious arms dealer wanted by the police (Hyun) kidnaps a local reporter and police officer, and demands that Chae-youn be the negotiator.
'The Negotiation' marks the directorial debut of Lee Jongsuk. He previously worked as an assistant director on 'Ode to My Father', one of the highest grossing South Korean films of all time, and took part in the screenwriting of 'The Himalayas'. This film is presented by CJ Entertainment and is produced by JK Film.