Cinema Guild picks up North American distribution for Hong Sangsoo’s “Nowhere to Lay My Eyes,” set for Locarno debut

Cinema Guild has acquired North American distribution rights to “Nowhere to Lay My Eyes,” the latest film from director Hong Sangsoo, according to Deadline. The deal sets up a North American rollout for the work following its premiere at this year’s Locarno Film Festival, where the film is scheduled to debut.

“Nowhere to Lay My Eyes” follows a character identified as Sanghee, played by Kim Minhee, as she travels to visit her mother. The mother, as described in the film’s synopsis, has settled down on Jeju Island, where Sanghee goes to see her, accompanied by her brother.

The agreement is part of Cinema Guild’s ongoing slate of art-house and international titles, expanding its North American reach for a filmmaker whose recent releases continue to draw festival attention. For Hong Sangsoo, the Locarno premiere represents another step in the film’s journey from European festival exhibition toward commercial screenings in the United States and Canada.

Deadline’s report frames the acquisition as happening ahead of Locarno, indicating Cinema Guild’s plan to time the North American release around the festival cycle. The specific release date, theater footprint, and marketing timeline were not included in the report.

Hong Sangsoo has built a body of work that frequently finds its way into major European festivals, with audiences and industry buyers watching those events for new releases. With “Nowhere to Lay My Eyes” confirmed for Locarno, the distribution announcement gives exhibitors and press a concrete title to prepare for as festival programming moves toward premieres and acquisitions.

In the film, Sanghee’s visit to her mother on Jeju Island, along with the presence of her brother, establishes the story’s family-centered setup. The synopsis described the trip as a return to a setting shaped by the mother’s established life on the island, setting up the interpersonal dynamics that drive the narrative.

Cinema Guild’s acquisition also indicates continued demand among North American buyers for high-profile festival films. For audiences, the announcement may determine when they can expect an art-house release after the premiere window closes, and it helps theaters plan programming around anticipated distributor-supported screenings.

Additional details about the production team, the exact festival premiere date, and the North American release schedule were not provided in Deadline’s initial report. Cinema Guild and Locarno are expected to release further information as the festival approaches and distribution planning progresses.