What Does That Nature Say to You

Donghwa, a poet in his thirties, drives his girlfriend of three years, Junhee, from Seoul to Incheon to visit her parents. When Donghwa is surprised at how large the house is, Junhee invites him to quickly take a closer look, but they unexpectedly bump into her father who then invites Donghwa to spend the day with the family - him, his wife (also a poet), and Junhee’s older sister. A lovely day in polite company allows Donghwa to relax. Then they start drinking…

Director Hong Sangsoo’s thirty-third feature film (his thirtieth since 2000) is a bright, cheerful look at artistic pretensions and polite society in modern day South Korea, viewed through a hazy lens, as if Donghwa was without his spectacles to help him focus, both on the subject and the situation. A charming delight, and a welcome addition to this prolific auteurs’ filmography.

Cork International Film Festival is delighted to return to its Principal Venue, The Arc Cinema on North Main St, Cork, for its 70th Festival edition, Thursday 6th to Sunday 16th November 2025.

The Arc Cinema Cork is home to The GATE Screen — a space dedicated to preserving and celebrating the legacy of the beloved former Gate Cinema — and an ideal spot for meeting fellow festival goers in between screenings. The GATE Screen features luxurious double sofa seats and tables, creating an intimate and sophisticated viewing experience. It is dedicated to showcasing arthouse films, including independent and local productions, foreign and Irish language titles throughout the year.