Two girls take their surfboards and surrender themselves to the waves on a deserted winter beach. They keep falling, but can't help but laugh heartily.

Ten years later, the sea, which they revisit, looks both similar and different. Is it because of the heavy snowfall? Has the environment changed? Or perhaps it's because they aren't together now?

The film 'Snowfall' (directed by Yoon Soo-ik) spans a decade. It traverses reality and fantasy, ambiguously expressing the real and the imagined, leaving room for interpretation.

Subtle emotions are also stimulated. Through the story of Seol-i (played by Han So-hee) and Su-an (played by Han Hae-in), it touches on longing, anxiety, confusion, and prejudice.

The intricate mise-en-scène is a highlight, maximizing visual pleasure. It pours out the condensed emotions of the characters against the backdrop of the sea in Yangyang, Gangwon Province, and snow-covered mountains.

The acting by the actors also earns a passing grade. Han Hae-in, who is gaining attention in the independent film scene, leads the drama stably, convincingly portraying the conflict between friendship and love.

Han So-hee justified her casting through her visuals alone, as if she had merged into the wounded Seol-i. Her performance was fresh and natural.

The film 'Snowfall' held a press distribution screening on the 11th at GCV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. Director Yoon Soo-ik and actor Han Hae-in attended the press conference. Han So-hee was absent due to schedule conflicts.

'Snowfall' is a work about the friendship and love between two women. The story begins when aspiring actress Su-an meets teen star Seol-i.

It is composed of four chapters in total: Seol-i, Su-an, the Sea, and Snowfall. Director Yoon explained, "Seol-i symbolizes the snow (Snowfall), and Su-an symbolizes the sea. The story progresses around the titles of each chapter."

It took about five years to make it to the screen. After the pre-production in 2019, it went through filming and post-production. Considerable time was taken due to repeated editing and re-shooting.

In fact, additional filming was even done a month before the release. Director Yoon said, "I worked on it consistently. I think it's ready to come out to the world now, after holding it for such a long time."

There were realistic reasons why it became a long-term project. They needed the help of nature. He added, "The title is 'Snowfall,' but the year we filmed, it didn't snow enough. The scenes were essential and could only be shot in winter, so it was delayed."

Thanks to this, the flow of time was captured without awkwardness. They added shots of Su-an after she became an actress to give a completely different atmosphere.

Han Hae-in also paid attention to ensure that this setup was integrated into the film. "If Su-an was rebellious during her school days, she would've inevitably had a more socially feminine appearance as an actress," she interpreted.

Above all, 'Snowfall' drew attention as it marks Han So-hee's film debut. Director Yoon Soo-ik recalled casting Han So-hee, saying, "I simultaneously felt a sense of resistance from her sensual beauty and eyes."

He immediately proposed her for the role. "(The contrasting atmosphere) merging like that is not easy to see. I thought it was so charming that we cast her without an audition," he added.

The fact that 'Snowfall' is a female queer work also piqued audience's curiosity. One might wonder if Han So-hee felt burdened after receiving the offer.

Director Yoon Soo-ik conveyed on her behalf, "Such aspects (like being a queer film) were not important at all. Instead, I think we focused more on the tone of the story the film carries and the character of Seol-i."

He also shared the conversation he had with Han So-hee ahead of the film's release. "Han So-hee is in the same position (in her first feature film as I am). She was worried about how the audience will perceive her acting as a rookie. I told her, 'There's no need to worry,'" he laughed.

Han Hae-in recalled being "thrilled" at the mention of Han So-hee as her co-star, saying, "During my first dialogue exchange with her, the emotion in Han So-hee's eyes hit me suddenly. I was so impressed that I almost cried," expressing satisfaction with their acting synergy.

Finally, Han Hae-in requested support, saying, "It was a work where you can meet hot energy in the coldest season. Please support Su-an and Seol-i a lot."

Meanwhile, 'Snowfall' is set to release on the 23rd and has a runtime of 87 minutes.

<Photo courtesy of Pancinema>