[Exclusive][Here is Cannes] Rising Star Did It, Director Yoon Daewon "Korea's First 2nd Prize, I Can't Believe It"

The 74th Cannes Film Festival On Site

[Cannes (France) = Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Director Yoon Dae-won delivered news of his award from Cannes. Amid the absence of any domestic competition entries this year, a rising star in the Korean film industry sparked hope by winning second place for the first time in the student competition section at the Cannes Film Festival in France.

On the 15th (local time) at 6 p.m., Director Yoon Dae-won received the second prize for his film Maemi at the 74th Cannes International Film Festival’s Cin?fondation awards ceremony held at the Bu?uel Theatre. The first prize went to Belgium’s Theo Degen for L’ENFANT SALAMANDRE.

Maemi is Yoon Dae-won’s graduation project from the Korea National University of Arts (KNUA) and marked the first time a Korean film won second place in this section at Cannes. This category is a section for graduation films by film major students and is regarded as a gateway for discovering new talent. Previously, in 2009, Director Cho Sung-hee of Space Sweepers won third place in the Cin?fondation section at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival with House of Hummingbird. The section has consistently invited works such as Director Yeon Je-kwang’s Ryeonghee in 2019 and Director Kim Min-joo’s Coming of Age Ceremony in 2020, culminating in this achievement.

Right after receiving the award, Director Yoon told this publication, “I didn’t expect Maemi to win an award. When my name was called, I couldn’t believe it and was overwhelmed in that moment,” adding, “I am having a wonderful experience while here in Cannes.”

Director Yoon expressed gratitude, saying, “After the award, the other directors nominated in the Cin?fondation section congratulated me.” When asked who he thought of most, he said, “I am most thankful to the actors and staff who helped me. I also want to thank my parents and many others. I plan to take a breather and gradually reach out to them.”

Earlier, two hours before attending the awards ceremony, Director Yoon Dae-won shared various stories about his work in an interview conducted locally in Cannes with this publication. He said, “The Cin?fondation awards ceremony will start in two hours, and as the time approaches, I’m getting a bit nervous,” revealing his tension.

He also predicted the Belgian director’s win for first place. When asked which work left the strongest impression, Director Yoon pointed to Theo’s film, saying, “While watching the film, I liked it so much that I hoped it wouldn’t end,” and added, “Regardless of the award, it was truly moving.” Right after winning, he said, “I expected the first prize to go to that film, but I never expected my own work to win,” expressing his stunned feelings.

He also shared a humorous anecdote continuing the Cannes Film Festival’s tradition. Director Yoon said, “Every year, there is always someone who goes missing during the Cin?fondation red carpet (photo call). They emphasized that there has never been an exception. When I heard that, I thought, ‘No way, how could someone go missing at such a world-renowned event like Cannes? Maybe it’s just a way to say ‘be nervous.’’ But today, I was that person. It was an honorable and important occasion, but I got the time wrong. I woke up in the morning and was quietly having breakfast, then realized I was late. I did go, but I couldn’t take photos. Today (the 15th), there was an official screening and many schedules, so I completely forgot,” he laughed.

Before the awards ceremony, Director Yoon Dae-won humbly said, “I watched all the other competition films. I was amazed throughout, and I’m just grateful to have been selected as a competition film.”

He continued, “I am going through a grueling schedule at the festival, but I am having an incredible experience. Wearing a tuxedo and walking the red carpet every day feels awkward and tough, but at the same time, it’s fun and very educational,” emphasizing the significance.

“I love films. I was just a student who dreamed of making films with affection. I definitely want to make a feature film in the future. I believe the experience at Cannes will quietly empower me as I continue my filmmaking journey. Even if I am lucky enough to win an award, I don’t want to think that it will lead me. I have never easily gotten what I wanted in life. This is a hard-earned stroke of luck. I came this far by luck, but I think it’s about who is closer to the truth. I don’t know where I will end up, but if I don’t do my best, I might regret it later.”

Meanwhile, Maemi is a film about a transgender sex worker on a sultry summer night on Sowol-gil, featuring a compelling story and captivating mise-en-sc?ne.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.