Lee Chang-dong’s ‘Possible Love’ Gets Theatrical and Netflix Release

Lee Chang-dong's latest film, "Possible Love," is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival, marking its world debut. Following its international festival introduction, the film will receive a staggered theatrical release across several key markets. The Korean theatrical release is scheduled for September 23. Subsequently, "Possible Love" will be shown in select theaters in Australia starting October 22. The following day, October 23, the film is slated for theatrical releases in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Japan. This multi-territory theatrical rollout precedes its global availability on the streaming platform Netflix, which is set to begin on November 6. The film's North American premiere is scheduled to take place at the Toronto International Film Festival, further highlighting its significant international festival presence. "Possible Love" is based on a short story by Japanese author Banana Yoshimoto, titled "Maboroshi no Ai." The narrative centers on a young woman who experiences a profound emotional transformation after a near-death experience, leading her to re-evaluate her life and relationships. The film explores themes of memory, identity, and the enduring nature of love. Lee Chang-dong, a critically acclaimed director known for his works such as "Burning" (2018) and "Poetry" (2010), brings his distinctive directorial style to this new project. His previous films have garnered international recognition and awards, establishing him as a significant voice in contemporary cinema. The anticipation for "Possible Love" is high among cinephiles and fans of Lee Chang-dong's oeuvre, with its festival premieres and diverse release strategy underscoring its global ambitions. The film's journey from festival circuits to theatrical screens and finally to a global streaming platform signifies a modern distribution approach for art-house cinema, aiming to maximize reach and accessibility for audiences worldwide. The specific details of the theatrical engagements in each country, including the number of screens and specific cinema chains, are expected to be announced closer to the release dates. The Netflix release on November 6 will make "Possible Love" available to a vast international audience simultaneously, a move that reflects the growing importance of streaming services in the film industry's ecosystem. This strategy allows for broad viewership while still offering a traditional theatrical experience for those who prefer it.