Water Lilies directed by Chanho LEE

What did Chanho LEE  say about his film?

Director Chanho Lee, who gained recognition as a "noteworthy emerging filmmaker" with Water Lilies is now attracting attention once again.

Expressing his gratitude, Director Chanho Lee stated, I have submitted Water Lilies to a wide range of film festivals - from prestigious international festivals to intimate screenings in small village squares and cinephile - organized community screenings. To me, festival organizers, selection committees, local audiences - whether they be neighborhood uncles, aunts, or children - are all valuable spectators of my film.

A Poetic Exploration of Youth and Survival

Water Lilies follows the journey of ‘Hyowon’, a young man who moves to the city with his teenage friend ‘Eunseo’, both pursuing their respective dreams while navigating anxiety and the struggle for survival. Aspiring actress ‘Hyowon’ finds himself entangled in conflicts after meeting ‘Suyeon’, a lead actress in a theater troupe. The film portrays an intricate web of human interactions, where seemingly minor actions trigger unintended ripple effects - a cinematic butterfly effect.

A Rising Independent Film Gaining International Recognition

Though Water Lilies has yet to be released in South Korea, it has already gained significant international attention. The film was officially invited to the Kolkata International Film Festival December, 2024 and has already earned several accolades:

- Honorable Mention Award at the 13th Athens International Digital Film Festival (AIDFF)

- Invited to the 47th Moscow International Film Festival (Russian Trace Section) Produced on a micro-budget of under $100,000, Water Lilies exemplifies the ‘strength of Korean independent cinema’ and continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The film is set for a domestic release in South Korea in the second half of 2025.