“It introduces an entirely new physical language for zombies. It is formally innovative and carries a gut-rattling tension unlike anything currently seen in genre cinema.”
That was how Samuel Jamier, president of the New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF), described 'Colony,' which premiered in the Midnight Screenings section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival.
The world premiere took place at 12:50 a.m. local time on May 15 at the Grand Théâtre Lumière. Director Yeon Sang-ho attended alongside cast members Jun Ji-hyun, Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hyun-been and Kim Shin-rok. The 2,300-seat venue sold out early, highlighting the intense anticipation surrounding the film.
Ahead of the screening, the team drew massive attention on the red carpet. Dressed in coordinated black-and-white styling, the cast balanced elegance with individuality while photographers flooded the scene with flashes. Jun Ji-hyun and Koo Kyo-hwan’s playful couple poses quickly became one of the night’s standout moments.
One of the most memorable scenes unfolded after the screening ended. Even past 3 a.m., audiences remained outside the theater chanting the actors’ names and mimicking the infected characters’ signature gestures from the film. Yeon Sang-ho later said it was “exactly the reaction” he had hoped to see.
Cannes jury president Park Chan-wook also made a surprise appearance at the red carpet despite his packed festival schedule. Accompanied by Cannes delegate general Thierry Frémaux, he warmly greeted Yeon Sang-ho and the cast members one by one.
Inside the theater, excitement erupted from the moment the production logos appeared on screen. Throughout the screening, the audience reacted with gasps, laughter and applause as the film unveiled a new kind of infected creature unlike anything previously seen in zombie cinema.
When the credits rolled, the Grand Théâtre Lumière erupted into a seven-minute standing ovation. Yeon Sang-ho repeatedly bowed toward the audience with a bright smile, while the cast visibly fought back emotion. Koo Kyo-hwan recreated the now-viral eye-covering pose from the trailer, and Jun Ji-hyun responded with a heartfelt expression as cheers for her echoed through the theater.
Yeon Sang-ho said, “It is truly an honor to present 'Colony' at the Cannes Film Festival, a place I have dreamed about for a long time. This will remain one of the most unforgettable moments of my filmmaking career.” He then thanked the audience in French, saying, “Merci beaucoup.”
International praise has continued to build following the premiere. NYAFF selected 'Colony' as the opening film for its 25th anniversary North American premiere section. French magazine Trois Couleurs praised the film for delivering “intense, precise and immersive action sequences,” while Next Best Picture editor Matt Neglia described it as “a relentless thrill ride from beginning to end.”
'Colony' follows a group of survivors trapped inside a quarantined building during a mysterious outbreak, as they confront infected beings evolving into unpredictable new forms. The film opens in Korea on May 21.
Reported by News Culture
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