Kadri Kõusaar, whose debut feature Magnus (2007) provoked controversies and garnered critical acclaim around the world, returns to Busan with her latest feature Deserted. A dangerous love story between a Swedish photo journalist Ingrid and her sympathetic abductor Ali, the film is set on the endless deserts of the Middle East. She took the assignment to escape from the complicated relationship with her ex-lover and family. He lost everything and joined forces with a gang for revenge. The unlikely couple seek salvation in each other, but as time passes by with no sign of hope, tension rises. Ambitious co-production shot in the midst of the pandemic, the skillful camera captures the breathtaking scenery and creates exquisite compositions. In the final video message sent to her sister, Ingrid′s naked eyes of despair leave a lingering echo in our minds. (Karen PARK)