Review: Lost in Starlight at OIAF

Synopsis
When an astronaut leaves Earth for Mars, the vast infinite space divides star-crossed lovers.

Lost in Starlight is a South Korean animated romance that explores love, long distance, and chasing big dreams. The story follows Nan-young, an astronaut training for a mission to Mars, and Jay, a musician who repairs vintage audio equipment. After meeting and falling in love, they face the ultimate test when Nan-young travels millions of miles into space, forcing them to keep their connection alive across the stars.

Beautifully blending soft pastels with vibrant colours, the animation creates a warm, intimate atmosphere that flows seamlessly into the romantic soundtrack, a dreamy musical touch that feels entirely natural for a story since Jay is a musician.

During a Q&A after a screening at the Ottawa International Animation Festival, CFI executive director Tom McSorley interviewed director Han Ji-won and producer Byun Seung-min about making the film. It was fascinating to learn that they spent lots of time exploring real cities for inspiration. This shaped the movie’s backdrop, where charming old buildings stand in front of giant modern skyscrapers. They also shared how important music and composing were to their team’s creative process.

Lost in Starlight is a gentle, relatable look at the loneliness and hope of long-distance love. By anchoring its space story in real human feelings, the movie creates a warm connection that stays with you long after the credits roll.

More info & links:

• Director: Han Ji-won
• Writers: Kang Hyun-joo, Han Ji-won
• Cast: Kim Tae-ri, Hong Kyung, Sharon Kwon
• Lost in Starlight on IMDB

Jith Paul

Web Designer, Editor, Film Reviewer

Jith Paul is a communications professional, digital strategist, and filmmaker whose career spans digital systems, platform architecture, and cinematic storytelling. A Waterloo Engineering and Algonquin Television Broadcasting graduate, he founded Treepot Media and co-founded the Ottawa Canadian Film Festival. His award-winning films have screened internationally, including Algebra at Entr’2 marches in Cannes and A Clean Slate, winner of Best Short at Valle d’Itria in Italy. He leads film613, which celebrates local Ottawa–Outaouais screen culture.

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