While Korean cinema may be absent from this year’s main competition lineup, the Korean-American creative community is making its presence felt at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival through the powerful short film “Loving Day,” selected for the prestigious American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase.
Rising Stars to Watch
Behind this notable achievement are director/cinematographer Daeil Kim and actor Ian Oh, two talents representing a new generation of Korean-American voices in cinema.
Kim, who was born in Korea and raised in New York before settling in Los Angeles, has been steadily building an impressive portfolio. His cinematography work on “The Things We Keep” premiered at Sundance 2025, and he shot “Death Vendor,” the debut concept feature from Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino. Kim’s own directorial debut feature “White Demise” was produced on a micro-budget of just $14,000 before being picked up by Gravitas Ventures.
A USC Film School graduate with a full scholarship under his belt, Kim has collected several industry accolades including the Sony Future Filmmaker Award. Through his creative studio Xylograph Films, he has directed music videos and commercials for brands like Nike and Red Bull.
“Loving Day” Garners Critical Attention
“Loving Day,” inspired by the landmark Supreme Court case that legalized interracial marriage in America, explores contemporary challenges faced by mixed-race couples and cultural minorities. The film, which stars Sidney Flanigan in the lead role alongside Ian Oh, has already claimed the Audience Award at the Asian Pacific Film Festival.
“This film is about holding on to love, community, and resilience—and passing hope on to the next generation,” Kim explained in a recent statement.
Breakout Performance by Ian Oh
Actor Ian Oh, who began his career as a child performer in Korea before relocating to Los Angeles, delivers what critics are calling a breakthrough performance in “Loving Day.” Selected as one of the breakout actors to watch at Cannes 2025, Oh brings personal experience as an immigrant to his nuanced portrayal.
Industry insiders report that Oh is set to co-star in a new American feature film scheduled to begin production in August 2025, signaling his rising profile in both indie and mainstream circles.
Looking Ahead: “STEM”
Meanwhile, Kim is already in pre-production for his next feature project, “STEM,” a film inspired by the controversial story of South Korean scientist Dr. Hwang Woo-suk. With backing from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and development support from both Film Independent and the Sundance Institute, the project promises to explore the complex intersection of scientific ambition and ethics.
Promotions for the film will be handled by NextShark, a leading Asian-American media platform. Those interested can follow updates on Instagram @stemthefilm.
Cultural Representation Matters
In a year when Korean cinema is noticeably absent from the Cannes main competition, the presence of Korean-American creators like Kim and Oh takes on added significance. Their work represents not just artistic achievement but also important cultural dialogue about identity and representation in global cinema.
The American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase, running since 1997, continues to be one of the most respected platforms for independent U.S. filmmakers at Cannes, receiving thousands of submissions annually from directors working outside the traditional studio system.
Watch the trailer for “Loving Day” here: https://vimeo.com/934668804
