Lee Chang-Dong's ‘Possible Love’ premiered at Venice to a 6.5-minute standing ovation, marking his first film since 2018.
Korean filmmaker Lee Chang-Dong premiered his new film ‘Possible Love’ at the Venice Film Festival, receiving an impressive 6.5-minute standing ovation after its debut screening on September 6, 2026. This marks Lee's return to filmmaking since his critically acclaimed work ‘Burning’ in 2018.
According to Deadline, Lee co-wrote the screenplay with Oh Jung-mi, his collaborator from ‘Burning’. The narrative centers around two married couples whose lives intertwine, exploring themes of love, communication, and societal disruption.
The film features Mi-ok, a woman leading a quiet life with her husband Ho-seok and their son, Cheol. Ho-seok’s life takes a downturn after he is laid off from his job due to a significant incident. Their lives shift dramatically when they meet Ye-ji, a documentary filmmaker, and her wealthy husband, Sang-woo. The story examines the complicated dynamics that arise as Mi-ok becomes involved in Ye-ji's film project, creating tension and emotional strain within both families.
Lee has noted that the project was inspired by real events surrounding mass layoffs at a Korean conglomerate. The experience of these workers resonated with him, although he had initially hesitated to tackle such a sensitive topic through a dramatic lens.
The length of the standing ovation at Venice signals a strong positive reception from viewers and industry insiders. As an established director known for exploring complex social issues, Lee's work has been anticipated since his hiatus. His ability to evoke deep emotional responses is a hallmark of his previous films, suggesting that ‘Possible Love’ will continue this trend.
Netflix, which financed the film, has announced a cinema release for October 23, 2026, with a streaming debut set for November 6, 2026. The film will also have an Oscar-qualifying theatrical release in Korea, the U.S., and select territories, as it has been chosen as Korea’s official entry for the Best International Feature category at the Academy Awards.
The production of 'Possible Love' involved prominent collaborators, including Anonymous Content, NOWFILM, and Pinehouse Film, showcasing a robust ensemble cast led by industry veterans Jeon Do-yeon and Sul Kyung-gu, alongside notable actors Zo In-sung and Cho Yeo-jeong.
The critical acclaim and strong viewer response at the Venice Film Festival could enhance ‘Possible Love’s’ visibility during this year's awards season. Given Lee’s stature in the industry and the film’s compelling themes, audiences may find the exploration of contemporary familial and economic struggles particularly relevant. The upcoming theatrical and streaming release provides a significant opportunity for a broader global audience to experience Lee’s storytelling, potentially influencing discussions around labor rights and family dynamics in modern society.
For further insights into Lee Chang-Dong's approach to filmmaking and early reactions from Venice, check out our reports on ‘Possible Love’ Debuts to Critical Acclaim and Lee Chang-Dong Discusses ‘Possible Love’ in Venice Competition.
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