Hong Sangsoo’s ‘Nowhere To Lay My Eyes’ Lands North American Distribution Deal Ahead Of Locarno Debut

Cinema Guild has picked up Nowhere to Lay My Eyes, the latest feature from Hong Sangsoo, for North American distribution. The film is set to debut at this year’s Locarno Film Festival.

Nowhere to Lay My Eyes follows Sanghee (Kim Minhee) as she visits her mother, who settled down on Jeju Island, with her brother. It’s been 10 years since she saw her mother. 

The official synopsis continues: “Her stepfather, a documentarist, is making a film about a “grass tomb”, while her mother’s restaurant has become a hit and she’s made a lot of money. She also meets her stepfather’s daughter, who has just started painting. Sanghee works for a snack import company, and in her spare time she makes very short films by herself. She spends two days with these people, as previously unknown facts, needless advice, and cheap compliments are passed back and forth.” 

Nowhere to Lay My Eyes reunites Hong with longtime collaborators Kim Minhee, Kwon Haehyo, Shin Seokho, and Park Miso, while welcoming actor Choi Myeonggil to his films for the first time.

“We can never run out of things to say about director Hong because he continues to surprise with each new release,” Peter Kelly, Cinema Guild President, said in a statement. “A wonderful film to behold with a captivating performance by Kim Minhee”

The acquisition deal was negotiated by Peter Kelly of Cinema Guild with Youngjoo Suh of Finecut.

Locarno will run from August 5 to 15.