Neon acquires Cannes competitor 'Hope' by Na Hong-Jin (The Wailing). A major acquisition for the festival's prestigious lineup.
- April 11, 2026
AceShowbiz - Hope is set to join the Cannes Film Festival competition lineup, marking the fifth film Neon has acquired for this prestigious event. The film is directed by Na Hong-Jin, known for his previous work on The Wailing.
Neon has obtained the North American and English-language rights for Hope, further expanding its presence at Cannes. The company reportedly pursued the project aggressively after viewing early footage in November, demonstrating strong confidence in the film’s potential.
The acquisition highlights Neon's continued commitment to bringing acclaimed international cinema to wider audiences, particularly titles that generate buzz at major festivals like Cannes. Na Hong-Jin’s involvement adds notable prestige to the competition slate, as the director’s work has previously garnered significant attention.
This move by Neon underscores the strategic importance of Cannes as a platform for securing distribution rights to high-profile films. The company's growing lineup at the festival reflects a targeted approach to acquiring compelling, festival-ready projects that resonate with both critics and viewers.
As the Cannes Film Festival approaches, Hope is positioned to be one of the key films to watch, supported by the backing of an experienced distributor. The anticipation for the film’s premiere is building, given the director’s reputation and the early interest from Neon.