The anthology film The Hours of the Theater has been officially invited to the 48th Moscow International Film Festival.

The film consists of three short works directed by Lee Jong-pil, Yoon Ga-eun, and Jang Kun-jae. It serves as a cinematic love letter to theaters and films—spaces that have remained constant companions through laughter, tears, and dreams.

From Domestic Acclaim to Global Stage

The film previously premiered at major Korean festivals, including the Busan International Film Festival, Seoul Independent Film Festival, and Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival, earning recognition from local audiences.

During its screening at Busan, Lee Jae-myung and his spouse attended and expressed support for the Korean film industry.

A Historic Festival Platform

Founded in 1935, the Moscow International Film Festival is one of the world's oldest film festivals and the largest in Russia. It has historically been considered alongside Cannes, Berlin, and Venice as one of the major global film festivals.

This year's edition will take place from April 16 to 23, featuring over 300 films from more than 50 countries and drawing around 60,000 attendees annually.

Continued Presence of Korean Cinema

Korean films have consistently been invited to the festival. Notable entries include The Killers Shopping List (2025), My Love, Don't Cross That River (2015), and Save the Green Planet! (2003).

In 2017, actor Son Hyun-joo won Best Actor at the festival for his performance in Ordinary Person.

Festival president Nikita Mikhalkov praised the film, stating, "It evokes François Truffaut's Jules and Jim, and stands as a remarkable example of contemporary directors inheriting the traditions of cinema history."