Director Jung Joo-ri, whose new film “Dora” premiered to strong buzz this year, has been awarded the Chevalier of France’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
According to Mydaily, the medal was presented on October 10 at “2026 French Night,” an event at Paradise Hotel Busan marking the 140th anniversary of France-South Korea diplomatic relations. Conferred by France’s Ministry of Culture, the honor recognizes contributions to the arts and culture of France and the world.
“I wondered whether I deserved this honor, but I kept thinking of the French audiences I met across France — in Paris, Cannes, Metz and Strasbourg,” Jung said. “Their encouragement reminded me once again of the power of film to make the lives on screen a story for all of us.” She added that the honor gives her “the courage to make an unprecedented kind of co-production film.”
Michel Miraillet, France’s charge d’affaires ad interim, praised Jung’s decade-long bond with French cinema, noting that all three of her features — her 2014 debut “A Girl at My Door,” “Next Sohee” and “Dora” — were selected by the Cannes Film Festival. “Cannes is now your most consistent supporter and your most enthusiastic fan,” he said.
“Dora,” about a family at a summer seaside villa where Dora, suffering from an unknown illness, experiences love for the first time, was recently invited to the Gala Presentation of the 31st Busan International Film Festival and is set for a 2027 release.
