Dohee-ya (2014 Film)

Dohee-ya (Korean: 도희야), released internationally as A Girl at My Door, is a 2014 South Korean drama film written and directed by July Jung. The film premiered at the 67th Cannes Film Festival in May 2014 as part of the Un Certain Regard section.

Plot

The story centers on Young-nam (played by Bae Doo-na), a police officer who is transferred to a small coastal village. There, she encounters Do-hee (Kim Sae-ron), a young girl suffering from systemic domestic abuse at the hands of her stepfather, Yong-ha (Song Sae-byeok). Young-nam attempts to intervene and protect the girl, but as the narrative unfolds, it is revealed that Do-hee harbors her own secrets, leading to a complex situation that threatens Young-nam's career and personal safety.

Production

The film was produced by Lee Chang-dong and Lee Joon-dong. Principal photography commenced on September 8, 2013, in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province, South Korea. The film features cinematography by Kim Hyun-suk.

Reception and Awards

Following its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, Dohee-ya was screened at several international events, including the Toronto International Film Festival and the Busan International Film Festival. The film received critical recognition, notably earning July Jung the Best New Director award at the 51st BaekSang Arts Awards in 2015. Kim Sae-ron was awarded Best New Actress at the 35th Blue Dragon Film Awards in 2014 for her performance.