Netflix’s HELLBOUND Heads To London, Toronto & Busan
The Netflix horror series has gained worldwide attention, receiving invitations to the 65th London Film Festival, 46th Toronto International Film Festival and 26th Busan International Film Festival.
Last month, it was announced that Director Yeon Sang-ho’s Hellbound was the first Korean series to be added to the line-up for the 46th Toronto Film Festival (TIFF)’s PRIMETIME Program. The upcoming Netflix horror series continues to receive global love and attention with official invitations to the 65th BFI London Film Festival and the 26th Busan International Film Festival.
Founded in 1957, the BFI London Film Festival is hosted by the British Film Institute and the city of London. It is the largest film festival in England and has featured Korean films like Memoir of a Murderer, On the Beach at Night Alone, The Spy Gone North, Believer, Burning, and House of Hummingbird. The festival has selected Hellbound for its LFF Series Thrill Stand that introduces “nerve-shredders that will get your adrenaline pumping and keep you on the edge of your seat.” They described Hellbound as a “a distinctive project from a strong creative visionary that will add a great texture to our programme.” Hellbound, the only Korean series to be selected, will have its first three episodes screened from 15 October 2021 to 17 October 2021.
On the other hand, Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) is one of the largest international film festivals in Asia and the largest in Korea. This year, BIFF launched the “On Screen” section for non-theatrical original content from online streaming services. The festival said, “The section aims to precisely reflect the current state of the market, which is expanding multi-directionally, while embracing the extended flow and value of cinema.” The 26th BIFF will be held from 6 October 2021 to 15 October 2021.
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) was founded in 1976 and is North America’s largest film festival. The festival will introduce diverse genres and styles through new films from 9 September 2021 to 18 September 2021. Inaugurated in 2015, the PRIMETIME section which Hellbound will be a part of introduces works with exceptional stories and directing, as the line between television and film continues to blur and brings forth a new golden age. Hellbound is the first Korean series to be officially invited and this reflects director Yeon Sang-ho’s reputation for being a global storyteller as his works continue to get invited to international film festivals.
Hellbound is based on the 9.77-rated popular webtoon The Hellbound, with readers commending it as “the most shocking in webtoon history.” Director Yeon Sang-ho, who has built an exclusive universe of his own that encompasses various realms, and Choi Gyu-seok, who demonstrated insight for perceiving reality and storytelling as writer of Songgot, will team up to showcase an unprecedented world. Top-tier actors Yoo Ah-in, Kim Hyun-joo, Park Jeong-min, Won Jin-a, Yang Ik-june, Kim Do-yoon, Kim Sin-rock, Ryu Kyung-soo, Lee Re, and more make up the exceptional cast.
As anticipation builds following the global buzz for its unique and imaginative story, Hellbound will be available on Netflix upon its release in over 190 countries.
About Hellbound
Title : Hellbound
Based on : Webtoon “The Hellbound” (Yeon Sang-ho, Choi Gyu-seok)
Director : Yeon Sang-ho
Writers : Yeon Sang-ho, Choi Gyu-seok
Starring : Yoo Ah-in, Park Jeong-min, Kim Hyun-joo, Won Jin-a, Yang Ik-june, Kim Do-yoon, Kim Sin-rock, Ryu Kyung-soo, Lee Re et al
Produced by : Climax Studio
Distributed by : Netflix
