A scene from
A scene from "What Does Nature Say to You" featuring Ha Sung-guk (left) and Kwon Hae-hyo (Jeonwonsa Film Co.)

South Korean arthouse icon Hong Sang-soo's latest feature "What Does Nature Say to You" will compete at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, which opens Feb. 13 in Berlin. This is Hong's sixth consecutive Berlinale nomination.

The auteur has had a notable presence at Berlinale. "On the Beach at Night Alone" earned Kim Min-hee Best Actress in 2017, "The Woman Who Ran" won Best Director in 2020, "Introduction" received Best Screenplay in 2021, "The Novelist's Film" claimed the Grand Jury Prize in 2022, and most recently "A Traveler's Needs" won the Grand Jury Prize in 2024.

Berlinale's executive chair Tricia Tuttle and program directors noted the latest film's "formal language, rhythm and profound insights" adding, "'What Does Nature Say to You?' shows true intuition in its portrayal of human connections."

The film stars Hong regulars Ha Sung-guk, Kwon Hae-hyo and Cho Yoon-hee and follows a poet's unexpected visit to his lover's home. Actor Kim Min-hee, 42, who is reportedly expecting her first child with Hong this spring, served as production manager.

The 75th Berlinale runs Feb. 13-23, 2025, in Berlin. Theatrical release in Korea will follow in the first half of 2025.