What Does That Nature Say To You? (18) - Bird of Paradise (9 mins)

What Does That Nature Say to You? will be preceded by the short film Bird of Parade (9 mins) from director Levi Felix Holton. Most HIC feature films in September will be presented alongside a short film from Unthinkable Film Festival 2024 in the lead-up to the 2025 festival, which will take place from 1-12 October.

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Donghwa, a poet in his thirties, drops off Junhee, his girlfriend of three years, at her house and marvels at how large it is. He intends to look around the front yard and then leave, but by chance he runs into Junhee’s father, and ends up spending the entire day with Junhee's family.

From this simple meet the parents premise Hong Sangsoo crafts a deft and moving exploration of sincerity, familial bonds and the value of a life dedicated to art.

Awards & Festivals
Nominee: Golden Bear, Berlin Film Festival
Official Selection: Berlin Film Festival, Karlovy Vary Intl Film Festival, Sydney Film Festival


"This uncomfortable family scenario could have played out any number of ways, from broad comedy to volatile drama, but Hong puts his own sui generis stamp on it. Nothing is ever forced or overwritten." - The Hollywood Reporter

"The performances are spot-on from all concerned, the nuances impeccably calibrated." - Screen International

"Veteran Korean director Hong Sang-soo specialises in delicate character studies, but rarely has he found such a warm ray of humour as he does in his latest film, What Does That Nature Say to You." - South China Morning Post