South Korean actress Shim Eun-kyung is set to grace the international stage as her Japanese film Travel and Daily Life has been officially selected for the International Competition section at the 78th Locarno Film Festival. The announcement was made on July 10 by production company at9 Film, marking a significant milestone for both the actress and director Sho Miyake.
The festival’s selection committee praised the film as “a work that balances philosophical depth with unpretentious storytelling, creating a dreamlike quality while remaining firmly rooted in reality.” They highlighted its quiet yet profound meditation on life’s meaning and the choices that define human existence.
For director Miyake, this marks his first participation in an international film festival. “Locarno is a place where cinema is treated with genuine reverence,” he expressed. “I feel both happiness and deep honor to be included.” Shim Eun-kyung shared her excitement, stating, “Being part of Director Miyake’s cinematic vision was an honor in itself. To present this work on such a distinguished platform makes the experience even more meaningful.”
Adapted from Yoshiharu Tsuge’s manga, Travel and Daily Life follows a screenwriter whose life takes an unexpected turn after encountering a mysterious innkeeper (played by Shinichi Tsutsumi) at a snowbound retreat. Shim, who plays the protagonist, reportedly joined the project after being profoundly moved by the screenplay’s emotional depth.
The film’s selection continues Shim’s impressive international trajectory following her acclaimed performances in Miss Granny (2014) and The Himalayas (2015). Industry observers note this recognition at one of Europe’s oldest film festivals (founded 1946) could further elevate her global profile.
Travel and Daily Life is scheduled for a South Korean theatrical release this winter. The Locarno Film Festival runs from August 2-12 in Switzerland, where it will compete against 17 other films for the prestigious Golden Leopard award.
This marks Shim’s first festival appearance since her 2018 Busan International Film Festival red carpet for The Princess and the Matchmaker. Cinema enthusiasts are particularly curious to see how her nuanced performance in this Japanese-Korean collaboration will resonate with international critics and audiences alike.
Adreena is a writer from Nagano, Japan, but is now residing in Singapore. She mostly writes music news and reviews, but in her spare time, she likes writing fiction and poems.