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“Everything began with their ambition and their desire”: Lee Hwan on Project Y at Florence Korea Film Fest 2026

“Everything began with their ambition and their desire”: Lee Hwan on Project Y at Florence Korea Film Fest 2026
“Everything began with their ambition and their desire”: Lee Hwan on Project Y at Florence Korea Film Fest 2026

The Upcoming had the privilege of interviewing director Lee Hwan at the Florence Korea Film Fest 2026, where his compelling drama, Project Y, had its Italian premiere to great success. The film introduces Mi Sun and Do Kyung, two women driven by raw ambition and desire into a harsh urban world. As Lee Hwan explained, “Everything began with their ambition and their desire,” leading them into a relentless fight for survival and, ultimately, a journey of growth. Its striking visual aesthetic, inspired by 90s Hong Kong cinema, and the magnetic chemistry between its lead actresses, Ahn So Hee and Jeon Jung Seo, form the backbone of this gripping narrative. Our interview delved into his creative process, the intriguing symbolism of the film’s title, and his vision for these complex characters.

Laura Della Corte

Project Y does not have a release date yet.

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