Leading Entertainment Company CJ ENM Films “Broker” and “Decision To Leave” Announced as the Official Selection of the 75th Cannes Film Festival

CJ ENM-financed and distributed films Broker (directed by Kore-eda Hirokazu) and Decision To Leave (directed by Park Chan-wook) were announced today as the Official Selection (In Competition) of the 75th Cannes Film Festival. The festival is set to take place on May 17 throughout May 28.

The accomplishment places leading entertainment company CJ ENM as the Korean film distributor with most titles that were invited at the Cannes Film Festival, holding 12 such projects so far, including Parasite (2019, In Competition). It also sets the record as the first Korean film distribution company to have two pictures under its belt selected for the Official Selection of Cannes Film Festival in the same year.

CJ ENM has been expanding its presence in the entertainment industry, solidifying its position as a major global studio. The company was behind the major success of Parasite (2019) as an investor and distributor that harnessed the film’s countless accolades, including four Oscars. CJ ENM is also strengthening its global content production and multi-studio structure, with the recent acquisition of 80% stake in the scripted business of Endeavor Content as well as plans of launching its new production studio ‘CJ ENM STUDIOS’.

Si Yeonjae, Vice President of Film Investment & Distribution at CJ ENM said “Being named as the Official Selection at the Cannes Film Festival is an accomplishment in itself. It’s a celebratory event for the film industry to have two Korean films in the Official Selection in the same year, and we are especially excited to announce that these projects were financed and distributed by CJ ENM.” She further remarked that “we are proud to be working closely with globally renowned creators on top of our partnerships with major global studios across the world. At the end of the day, it is our mission to create content that resonates with a global audience.”

Directed by Kore-eda Hirokazu, Broker (2022) depicts a special journey of unexpected encounters surrounding a baby box. The title is 2018 Palme D’Or recipient’s first Korean film as well as his 8th film invited at the Cannes Film Festival. Broker boasts an assemble consisting of Song Kang-ho, Gang Dong-won, Bae Doona, Lee Ji-eun and Lee Ju-young, and will be first revealed at the festival, after which the theatrical release will follow at the beginning of June. 

Decision To Leave (2022) is a story about a police officer (played by Park Hae-il) conducting a crime investigation that occurred in the mountains. In the process, the officer meets the deceased’s wife (Tang Wei) for whom he develops mixed emotions of suspicion and interest. His first Korean movie in six years since The Handmaiden (2016), and fourth film competing at the Cannes Film Festival, Decision To Leave Up makes Park Chan-wook the film director with most movies selected at Cannes in Korea. The movie will premiere at the festival and release in theaters late June.  

[Appendix] CJ ENM financed and distributed films at the Cannes Film Festival

Parasite (2019, In Competition)

The Spy Gone North (2018, Out of Competition)

The Merciless (2017, Out of Competition)

The Handmaiden (2016, In Competition)

The Target (2014, Out of Competition)

Thirst (2009, In Competition)

Mother (2009, Un Certain Regard)

Secret Sunshine (2007, In Competition)

The Good, The Bad, The Weird (2008, Out of Competition)

A Bittersweet Life (2005, Out of Competition)