"I died for over 20 minutes during heart surgery," director Nicolas Winding Refn told the audience at the Cannes Film Festival premiere of his film Her Private Hell.
Following a 12-minute standing ovation, Refn shared a deeply personal story about his near-death experience. He revealed that his heart was leaking blood, his lungs were filling with blood, and he was told he would not live.
Two weeks later, he underwent surgery, crediting his survival to a surgeon he compared to Tom Cruise. Refn said he was revived with electricity and now describes himself as the "Bionic Man."
"I now feel I have a second chance," Refn stated, adding that he wants to use it to expand horizons for children.
The film, starring Sophie Thatcher and Charles Melton, is out of competition and tied for the longest standing ovation at Cannes. Her Private Hell will be released on July 24 via Neon.