South Korean film “Madonna” was invited to international film festivals held in Sweden’s Stockholm and Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, its production company said Thursday.

The Stockholm Film Festival is known as the top of its class in northern Europe, with high attendance figures from enthusiastic moviegoers and industry insiders. 

“Madonna” was asked to join the “Asian Image” section of the upcoming 26th festival scheduled for Aug. 12-16. Tor Nyman, the programmer of the event, said “Director Shin Su-won (of ‘Madonna’) has created a masterpiece to be remembered.”

Festival Do Rio, the international film festival of Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, will hold its 17th event through Oct. 1-14. It is the largest celebration of noteworthy films held in South America.

The festival organizers praised “Madonna,” saying, “The plot is realistic yet romantic, and embodies the hidden side of the Korean society very well. It is an intense work made from a strong feminist perspective.”

The film was asked to join the “World Panorama” section.

“Madonna” has been running in local cinemas since July 2. 

By Lim Jeong-yeo (kaylalim@heraldcorp.com)