The film My Name, directed by veteran filmmaker Jung Ji-young and starring Yeom Hye-ran, has been officially invited to the Berlin International Film Festival. Set against the backdrop of the Jeju 4.3 Incident, the film is a drama of healing and growth that goes beyond the island’s historical pain. Its selection is particularly meaningful as it marks the first Korean film to be invited to an overseas film festival in 2026.
My Name has been invited to the Forum section of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, which will be held in Berlin, Germany, for ten days starting on February 12. The Forum section is known for presenting works distinguished by originality and a strong experimental spirit. In 2024, the Korean film Exhuma was also invited to the same section.
This official invitation highlights the international recognition of director Jung Ji-young’s filmmaking, known for works such as Unbowed, National Security, and The Boys, which have consistently offered sharp insights into the hidden layers of society. It also underscores the global acknowledgment of Yeom Hye-ran’s powerful and deeply nuanced performances, which have recently drawn significant acclaim.
The Berlin International Film Festival described My Name as “a film that delicately illuminates the trauma left by tragic history across generations and reminds us of the importance of breaking long-standing silence.” The festival further commented, “With its meticulously constructed narrative and strong emotional resonance, it is especially meaningful to present this film as a world premiere in the Forum section, which has consistently introduced significant Korean films.”
My Name is a generational mystery drama that follows the journey of an 18-year-old boy who wants to abandon a name that does not suit him, an eomeong who believes that the name must be protected at all costs, and the promise made 50 years ago that lies hidden behind that name.
Yeom Hye-ran plays the role of the eomeong, a mother who raises her son alone while confronting the truth buried within her lost memories. Through this role, she is expected to deliver an overwhelming presence as the central force that drives the film’s narrative forward.
From its planning stage, My Name proved the strength of its screenplay by winning the Jeju 4.3 Peace Foundation Scenario Grand Prize. The film was produced through voluntary support from Jeju residents as well as countless citizens across the country, adding to the sincerity and authenticity of its message.
The production team stated, “We are delighted that the invitation to the Berlin International Film Festival recognizes the film’s authenticity,” adding, “With Jung Ji-young’s artistry, Berlin’s selection, and the heartfelt support of the people of Jeju, this will be a film that audiences can truly trust and look forward to.”
Carrying an emotional message that connects generations through a history that must never be forgotten, My Name is scheduled for nationwide theatrical release in April 2026.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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