Neon Acquires North American Rights to Na Hong-jin's Hope

Neon has acquired North American and English-language distribution rights to "Hope," the new sci-fi thriller from South Korean director Na Hong-jin, just ahead of its world premiere in the main competition at the Cannes Film Festival. The deal, finalized after negotiations that began in November, marks the sixth title for Neon at this year's festival, set to run from May 12 to 23 in the French resort town.

The film centers on Bumseok, a police chief in the remote village of Hope Harbor near the Demilitarized Zone, who receives reports from local youths of a tiger sighting in the nearby hills. What starts as a localized panic escalates into a profound and terrifying mystery, compelling the villagers to face their deepest fears and an unimaginable reality. Directed and written by Na, who also produced alongside Saemi Kim and Saerom Kim for his company Forged Films, the project is executive produced by Jeongin Hong and co-executive produced by Eugene Kim. Plus M Entertainment provided financing and is handling international sales, with a summer theatrical release planned in South Korea.

"Hope" features a bilingual cast blending South Korean and international talent. Hwang Jung-min,...