The deals were made in addition to the film's pre-Cannes sales to France, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and Singapore. It will now also be show in countries like Britain, Japan, Australia, New Zealand,  Spain, Greece, Poland and Turkey.

"It is not easy for non-commercial films to be pre-sold in overseas film markets. But this film was sold so quickly even without any footage shown," an official at the local sales company Finecut said. "(Overseas distributors) have almost simultaneously expressed their intent to sign deals on the film after watching it or after the awards ceremony at Cannes."

Lee's first feature in eight years, "Burning" depicts the insecurity, helplessness and anger of young Korean people through the story of Jong-su, a part-time deliveryman and aspiring novelist, and two of his friends, Hye-mi and Ben.

The film won the Fipresci International Critics' Prize for best film in the main competition section of the 71st Cannes festival. (Yonhap)