Director Jung Ji Young’s film 'My Name' continues its global momentum, receiving a standing ovation and widespread acclaim at the Udine Far East Film Festival following its positive reception at the Berlin International Film Festival.
The film was invited to the competition section of the 28th Udine Far East Film Festival, which opened on April 24 (KST) in Italy, and successfully held its official screening in the early hours of April 29 at Teatro Nuovo Giovanni.
Festival executive director Sabrina Baracetti explained the reason for its invitation, stating, “With its balanced tone based on real events, it is a film that audiences around the world can relate to.”
Following the screening, the audience filled the theater with enthusiastic cheers and applause for director Jung Ji Young, who responded by raising both arms in deep gratitude.
After its local premiere, the film drew high praise for its artistic quality. Festival organizers described it as “a remarkable work that sits somewhere between commercial and independent cinema while consistently maintaining a high level of quality,” adding that it “skillfully connects past and present violence and personal suffering to the broader historical trauma of the Jeju April 3 Incident.”
They also praised Yeom Hye Ran for her performance, saying she “brilliantly portrays Jung Soon, a woman striving to remain a good mother despite her mental collapse.” Actor Shin Woo Bin was likewise commended for “convincingly depicting Young Ok, who becomes increasingly swept into a vortex of violence.”
'My Name' first premiered globally at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival in February. At the time, the festival described it as an “identity drama that elegantly portrays an individual’s journey to find their sense of self.”
Although the film deals with a tragic chapter in modern Korean history, it has proven its universal appeal by resonating deeply with audiences in both Berlin and Udine.
Domestically, the film was released on April 15 and drew attention as the first movie watched by President Lee Jae Myung and the First Lady. It has since continued to receive strong word-of-mouth from general audiences, alongside sponsored screenings, charity showings, and group viewings organized by various sectors. The film has surpassed 170,000 admissions nationwide and is expected to reach 200,000, with a large-scale relay screening event scheduled for May 16.
'My Name' is a mystery drama that follows 18-year-old Young Ok, who wants to discard his old-fashioned name; his mother Jung Soon, who insists on preserving it; and their journey to uncover a promise made 50 years ago, hidden behind that name. The film is directed by Jung Ji Young and stars Yeom Hye Ran and Shin Woo Bin.
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