JEDDAH: Korean filmmaker Yoon Ga-eun explores the complexities of adolescence in “The World of Love,” which its Middle East debut at the Red Sea International Film Festival on Dec. 6.
Yoon crafts her narrative of quiet resilience, and the courage to keep moving, loving and rebuilding, around Jooin (Seo Su-bin), a lively, outspoken teenager whose bright exterior hides an unspoken history of pain.
The film paints a tender, lyrical portrait of family ties, emotional endurance and the subtle ways young women navigate trauma.
Speaking to Arab News following the RSIFF screening, Yoon reflected on the intention behind the film and its portrayal of women’s struggles.
“In life, there are great tragedies that happen to anyone, and sometimes we can’t tell others about them,” she said. “When you have such a deep wound inside, how can you move forward? How can you continue to live life? How can you continue to love? But we see people silently, with dignity, walking their way forward. I’ve been around people who have done that, and that was the story I wanted to tell.”
The film is also intended message of affirmation to young women.
“Throughout the movie, I was thinking about teenage girls who might have had similar experiences (to Jooin),” she said. “I wanted to tell them: ‘You are doing great. And you will continue to do great. You are on the right track. Trust yourself more.’ This isn’t a declaration on my part; it’s an observation I wanted to give them.”
Yoon’s previous movies have focused on the lives of younger children, rather than teens. And with its thoughtful exploration of trauma and emotional renewal, “The World of Love” is arguably the filmmaker’s most nuanced work to date.
Produced by Se-Hun Kim and Jenna Ku, and featuring a talented ensemble cast including Chang Hyae-jin, Kim Jeong-sik, Kang Chae-yun, Lee Jae-hee and Kim Ye-chang, the movie has gained international plaudits for its emotional depth and clarity.
The film was well received at RSIFF, and Yoon has appreciated her time in the Kingdom.
“I’m in awe of the architecture,” she said. “And it was lovely meeting the people. It made me want to learn more about this beautiful culture.”
