FESTIVAL FAVORITE
Korean auteur Hong Sangsoo‘s latest Berlinale competition entry “What Does That Nature Say to You” has secured distribution deals across multiple territories, Seoul-based sales agent Finecut has revealed. The film has been picked up by Arizona Films (France), Ama Films (Greece & Cyprus), Minerva Pictures (Italy), L’atalante Cinema (Spain), Cola Films (Taiwan) and The Cinema Guild (U.S.).
Hong’s minimalist drama, which follows a young poet who spends a day with his girlfriend’s family, marks the director’s 12th film to screen at the Berlinale. The pic stars Ha Seongguk (“A Traveler’s Needs,” “Mimang”) and Kwon Haehyo (“A Traveler’s Needs,” “By the Stream”).
According to Finecut, the film’s world premiere in Berlin was met with laughter and enthusiasm, with Hong’s signature subtle humor resonating strongly with audiences and international buyers alike.
The prolific filmmaker has become a Berlinale darling in recent years, collecting an array of Silver Bear awards. Hong won the Silver Bear grand jury prize for “A Traveler’s Needs” in 2024 and “The Novelist’s Film” in 2022, the Silver Bear for best screenplay for “Introduction” in 2021, and the Silver Bear for best director for “The Woman Who Ran” in 2020.
PANTHER PROGRAM
United Media and Met Film are developing “Queen Panther,” a documentary series chronicling the extraordinary life of Olivera Ćirković, the former leader of the infamous Pink Panther criminal organization. The series will explore Ćirković’s remarkable journey from celebrated Yugoslav national basketball star to criminal mastermind who became Interpol’s most wanted fugitive, and her eventual path to redemption.
Ćirković was once a national sports hero in both Greece and former Yugoslavia, playing professionally for Greek club Pangrati and helping them reach champion level. Her life took a dramatic turn after falling in love with a criminal who introduced her to the Pink Panthers network. She quickly ascended the ranks, becoming a key figure known for her skills as a thief and leadership abilities.
After a heist went wrong, Ćirković was sentenced to eight years in a high-security prison. During her second incarceration, she executed a daring escape from Athens’ notorious Korydallos prison, becoming the only inmate ever to successfully break out of the facility.
The series will be filmed across Serbia, Greece, and other international locations. Executive producers include Al Morrow, Stewart le Maréchal, Rebecca Banovic, and Jerry Rothwell, with Met Film Sales handling worldwide distribution.
United Media is also developing a scripted series based on Ćirković’s autobiographical book “Me, The Pink Panther.”
FRESH FACES
Starship Entertainment‘s latest girl group KiiiKiii has made their entrance into the crowded K-pop landscape with the pre-release of their track “I Do Me,” ahead of their forthcoming debut EP, “Uncut Gem.”
The quintet — comprising members Jiyu, Leesol, Sui, Haum, and Kya — positions themselves as “Five Gems” of K-pop, adopting the motto “Don’t lose your cheerfulness, even in an imperfect reality.” Their name features six “i”s, with five representing each member and the last symbolizing their fans.
KiiiKiii joins the roster of Starship Entertainment, home to established K-pop acts like Monsta X, IVE, Wonho, and Cravity. The group’s debut aims to carve a new path in the global music scene with what the label describes as “fearless storytelling and boundless energy.”
