Manok

Official Selection, 2025 BFI Flare London LGBTQI+ Film Festival
Official Selection, 2025 Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival

It’s practically the worst day of her life. Manok is the middle-aged owner of Rainbow, a barely afloat lesbian bar in Seoul, and just received news that her estranged mother has died. On top of that, a younger, trendier venue has quietly replaced Rainbow as the Pride afterparty hotspot. Feeling betrayed by her girlfriend and the queer scene that once revered her, Manok decides to jump ship and start anew in her rural hometown.

Back in small town Iban-ri, Manok is ostracized, and the face of Iban-ri is a mayor who happens to be her homophobic ex-husband. After learning that his term is ending, Manok runs against him, leading a chaotic campaign filled with heart and bravado. But when secrets surface, Manok must decide whether she’s running for a cause or against a community unwilling to change.

Director Yu-jin Lee crafts a refreshing and boldly endearing queer comedy, as raucous and biting as it is tender. Korean acting vet Yang Mal-bok plays a vibrantly queer mentor who reckons with aging and relevance while cutting a sharply inspiring figure of defiance. Delivering hope without feeling false, MANOK waves a bright rainbow flag, fierce, funny, and full of love.

– Dana Del Castillo