Animation 'Long, Long Night' receives acclaim at Toronto International Film Festival... Suzy participates in narration and OST

The animation 'Long, Long Night', in which singer and actress Suzy participated in the narration and OST work, received praise from local industry officials following its world premiere screening at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival. Giovanna Fulvi, Chief International Programmer of the Toronto International Film Festival, evaluated this work as a dazzling animation that captures the journey of the rhinoceros Norden, who navigates a life where adventure, tragedy, and wonder coexist through an open heart and the power of friendship, marking it as the debut work of director Yeom Gyu-bok. Furthermore, she sent warm praise regarding the restoration of relationships and friendship through directing that flows elegantly between humor and emotions of loss.

Overseas film industry officials also noted the completeness of the work. Karen Schuet of BIFF BAM POP highly evaluated the 3D animation technology and the emotion-stimulating narrative, naming this work an amazing debut. An official from the global distributor Angel also shared the opinion that it beautifully captured universal values such as friendship, love, and the heart of a parent. Based on the best-selling book of the same name by author Ruri, this work received evaluations that it added a deep lingering impression through Suzy's voice and music while reflecting on the meaning of life, solidarity, and family.

Director Yeom Gyu-bok, who took charge of the directing, has been responsible for character development and directing in the advertising industry for the past 20 years, including Meritz Fire & Marine Insurance's 'Worry Dolls' and Korean Federation of Community Credit Cooperatives' 'Eobuba Pig Family', and is an individual active in various fields such as writing picture books. The original novel by author Ruri won the Grand Prize at the 21st Munhakdongne Children's Literature Award and has recorded cumulative sales of approximately 800,000 copies. Following the Toronto International Film Festival, this film is invited to the 31st Busan International Film Festival and is expected to meet domestic audiences.

The Busan International Film Festival screening schedule begins at the Busan Cinema Center Haneulyeon Theater on October 8 at 8:30 PM, followed by the Busan Cinema Center Cinematheque on October 9 at 7:10 PM, the Busan Cinema Center Haneulyeon Theater on October 13 at 4:00 PM, and LOTTE CINEMA Centum City Theater 6 on October 14 at 7:20 PM. In particular, after the screenings on October 8 and 9, a Talk to the Audience session will be arranged where director Yeom Gyu-bok will personally attend to share in-depth stories about the work. The official domestic release is planned for early 2025.

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