Korean Films and Projects to Look Out For at Cannes 2026

The 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival is taking place in Cannes, southern France, from May 12 to 23, and Korean cinema is once again making a powerful impression on the global stage. This year is especially historic as acclaimed filmmaker Park Chan-wook became the first Korean to be appointed president of the festival’s main competition jury.

Here are the Korean films and projects that audiences should keep an eye on at Cannes 2026. 

Hope [In Competition]

Directed by Na Hong-jin, ‘Hope’ is one of the most anticipated Korean entries at Cannes this year and is competing for the festival’s highest honour, the Palme d’Or.

This science-fiction thriller follows village police chief Bum-seok and his officers as they attempt to protect an elderly community from a mysterious beast. Set in the remote village of Hope Harbor near the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the story begins when a tiger is suspected of appearing in the area. However, what initially seems like a local emergency soon develops into a terrifying mystery that forces the villagers to confront the unknown. 

Colony [Midnight Screenings]

Selected for the Midnight Screenings section, ‘Colony’ marks the latest project from Yeon Sang-ho, the director behind the global zombie hit ‘Train to Busan.’

The film follows biotechnology professor Se Jeong, who attends a biotech conference that descends into chaos after a rapidly mutating virus is unleashed. As the infection spreads and the victims begin transforming, authorities lock down the entire facility, trapping survivors inside with the growing threat. Featuring a star-studded cast including Jun Ji-hyun, Ji Chang-wook, and Koo Kyo-hwan, ‘Colony’ is already generating massive buzz.

Dora [Directors’ Fortnight]

The Directors’ Fortnight section, known for celebrating artistic freedom and independent filmmaking, will feature the South Korean film ‘Dora,’ directed by Jung Joo-ri.

Starring I.O.I member Kim Do-yeon alongside Japanese actress Sakura Ando, the film portrays solidarity among women in a seaside village. The story centers on a young girl struggling with both physical and emotional pain who gradually finds healing after meeting another woman. With its emotional narrative and focus on human connection, Dora is expected to resonate strongly with the audience.

Bird Rhapsody [La Cinef]

The La Cinef section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival will feature ‘Bird Rhapsody’ by student director Choi Won-jung, marking a milestone for South Korea’s Hongik University as one of the film schools invited to the festival for the first time.

Created as a six-minute animation, the project joins La Cinef’s tradition of recognizing exceptional young filmmaking talent. La Cinef, known as Cinefondation until it was renamed in 2022, was set up in 1998 to spotlight new filmmaking talent from film schools around the world.

Silent Voices [La Cinef]

Also selected for La Cinef is ‘Silent Voices,’ directed by Korean American filmmaker Nadine Misong Jin from Columbia University.

Set in New York, the film follows a Korean immigrant family of four who lead separate lives while each quietly struggles with moments of defeat and hardship. As they navigate survival, isolation, and disconnection, the family members conceal their emotional wounds from one another. Through its intimate portrayal of immigrant experiences and family relationships, ‘Silent Voices’ is expected to leave a lasting emotional impact on viewers.

Voooooo—Peeeeee— [Immersive Competition]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @competitionimmersive

For the Immersive Competition selection, which encompasses works of large-scale video projection to virtual reality works, ‘VOOOOOO—PEEEEEE—’ by Korean directors Woo Hyeun-joo and Park Ji-yun was listed.

The project is described as a multi-sensory XR experience centered on a woman who discovers her body has become hollow after being reconstructed as data. As wind leaks from inside her and a strange creature settles within the void, her monologue drifts between memories of loss, data clouds beneath the sea, and endlessly replicated virtual worlds. Through VR cinema and a pneumatic wearable interface, audiences physically experience this expanding virtual volume on their bodies.

With Korean filmmakers and creators showcasing their diverse storytelling across multiple sections of the festival, Cannes 2026 highlights the growing global influence of Korean storytelling.