'Dora' Ando Sakura: "I was hesitant about the sexual scenes... but I accepted the role after receiving a letter from the director" [Cannes ★ Interview] ②

*This content was translated by AI.

• Interview with Ando Sakura, star of 'Dora', a selection for the 79th Cannes Film Festival Directors' Fortnight

Ando Sakura, the protagonist of the film 'Dora', explained why she decided to appear in the movie.

On the afternoon of the 19th, Ando Sakura held an interview at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France, for 'Dora' (directed by Jung Ju-ri), a selection for the 79th Cannes Film Festival Directors' Fortnight.

'Dora' tells the story of Dora (played by Kim Do-yeon), who suffers from an unknown skin disease, and her journey to experiencing happiness and love for the first time while living with a couple, Nami (played by Ando Sakura) and Yeon-su (played by Song Se-byeok), in the countryside. As a result, their relationships and emotions begin to waver slightly. The film depicts the process of two individuals wounded in body and mind becoming entangled in a whirlwind of complex emotions, rendered through director Jung Ju-ri's signature delicate direction. It boldly and sensibly portrays the primal desires residing within a woman's inner self and the confusion she experiences during that process.

Ando Sakura, who has won the Japan Academy Prize for Best Actress three times, took on the role of Nami, a Japanese woman.

Ando Sakura stated, "When I first read the script, I thought, 'I don't think I can do this.' First, I had no knowledge of Korean, so I worried about language barriers. Second, I was concerned about the sexual scenes. Although I had filmed many such scenes in the past, after having a child, I began to reconsider them. I hesitated, wondering if this film, which is full of stimulation and drama, would match my current energy. When choosing a project, it is crucial that it aligns with my energy and that the timing is right. I initially declined the role, but later received a letter from the director. She expressed consideration for my ability to act and promised to accommodate me. After receiving that letter, I felt a desire to meet her. When I choose a project, I ask myself, 'Can I fit into this picture?' In this script, the image of Nami floating on the sea made me feel that way. I liked that scene. I felt it truly represented me."

Director Jung Ju-ri also discussed the process of casting Ando Sakura. Director Jung said, "This project has been in development for a long time. Initially, the role of Nami was intended for a Korean actress. However, as we prepared for a long time, I kept feeling that something wasn't quite right, and the biggest issue was Nami. At some point, I wondered how I could possibly understand the depth of Nami's emptiness, loneliness, and sorrow so perfectly. I realized there might be aspects of her that I cannot fully grasp. Then I thought, 'What if Nami were Japanese?' Before the casting process even concluded, the name 'Ando Sakura' came to mind. I told Ando Sakura the same thing: 'I cannot fully understand Nami either. I feel Nami is a character existing between me and Ando.' I had the script urgently translated into Japanese and sent it to her. She absorbed the entire film so well, and her thoughts on Nami resonated with mine. I was deeply moved during our first meeting. Meeting the actress in person felt as though Nami was standing right before my eyes."

Following her feature film debut 'Dohi-ya' (2014, Un Certain Regard) and her second feature 'Next Sohee' (2022, Critics' Week Closing Film), director Jung Ju-ri has now had 'Dora' (2026, Directors' Fortnight) selected for the Cannes Film Festival, making all three of her feature films released over the past 12 years eligible for Cannes. Director Jung Ju-ri is the first female director in Korean film history to have all three of her feature films selected for the Cannes Film Festival.

Meanwhile, 'Dora', which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, is scheduled for release in South Korea in the second half of this year.

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*This content was translated by AI.