NATHAN Studios is back with “Picnic” —another groundbreaking and moving film that’s sure to resonate with many Filipinos.
Directed by Kim Yong-gyun, “Picnic” was first released in South Korea and the film has been reimagined by Nathan Studios as a Filipino-language movie.
Staying true to its commitment to challenging conventional norms in storytelling and content delivery, Nathan Studios chose “Picnic” as its Mother’s Day 2025 presentation.
But rather than offer a straightforward localized version, Nathan Studios — led by its President and CEO Ria Atayde and her team — decided to give it a distinct Filipino flavor by assembling an intergenerational cast whose performances are sure to blow moviegoers away.
While specific plot details remain under wraps — Nathan Studios firmly believes in letting audiences experience a film’s story without spoilers.
What can be said though is that “Picnic” revolves around themes that are truly relevant to Filipino culture: aging, complicated family dynamics, friendship, and the lifelong journey of motherhood.
The film’s emotional beats are grounded in both nostalgia and reflection, offering viewers a heartfelt exploration of the past and the bonds that persist through time.
Taking on the role of Eun-sim is award-winning actress Ces Quesada, whose portrayal of the older version of the character is marked by a quiet strength and vulnerability.
Meanwhile, early reviews of her voice acting call Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11 winner Fyang Smith — who played a younger version of Eun-Sim — a scene-stealer.
Opposite them is industry legend Nova Villa, who plays Geum-soon, Eun-sim’s childhood best friend. It should be noted that this is one of Nova’s most compelling performances that will surely melt the hearts of moviegoers.
Completing the film’s central trio is acting legend Bodjie Pascua who brilliantly breathes life to the character of the elder Tae-ho — a man whose long-buried emotions resurface in old age.
The younger Tae-ho is played by Fyang’s onscreen partner JM Ibarra, adding depth and contrast to the character’s journey.
“Picnic” was originally headlined by South Korean superstars Na Moon-hee (Eun-sim), Kim Young-ok (Geum-soon), and Park Geun-hyung (Tae-ho).
It was filmed primarily in Pyeongsan-ri, Namhae-gun, a quiet village in South Gyeongsang Province, where lush visuals and serene rural landscapes mirrored the introspective nature of the narrative.
With a modest production budget of 1.2 billion KRW ($911,000.00), the South Korean original surpassed box office expectations, grossing more than USD$2.2 million.
It held the top spot in South Korea’s independent and art-house box office charts for two weeks and earned critical acclaim for its sensitive take on emotional, weighty subjects.
Notably, Park Geun-hyung bagged a Best Supporting Actor nomination at Baeksang Arts Awards — a testament to the film’s strong performances and emotional weight.
Both are retained in Nathan Studios’ Filipino dub, which reflects the studio’s evolving mission: to bring global stories home, in a way that speaks directly to the Filipino heart.
Nathan Studios has a sterling reputation for taking the road less traveled. Whether through genre-defying series, daring casting choices, or unexpected storytelling directions, the company is never content with playing it safe.
With “Picnic,” they once again deliver a surprising yet powerful offering that gently disrupts audiences’ expectations of what a family movie should be.
While the Filipino-dubbed version does not tamper with the film’s original story, it breathes new life into it by allowing some of the country’s most accomplished actors to inhabit these complex roles.
The result is a viewing experience that feels simultaneously familiar and new — evoking the distinct emotional rhythms of Filipino life, from caring for elders to revisiting childhood memories and reevaluating lifelong friendships.
By launching “Picnic” as its Mother’s Day 2025 presentation, Nathan Studios affirms its belief in the power of storytelling to honor mothers and family in all their complexities.
The film doesn’t present a sanitized version of motherhood or friendship; instead, it digs into the nuances, the regrets, and the small moments that define a life shared with others.
More than just a tearjerker, “Picnic” is a reflective piece of cinema that asks viewers to look back, reach out, and recognize the people who shaped their journey. It’s a movie that lingers — not because of flashy twists or over-the-top drama — but because it connects through memory, honesty, and emotional truth.
In a media landscape saturated with spectacle, “Picnic” dares to slow down, to remember, and to feel.
Now showing in over 110 cinemas nationwide. From Lotte Entertainment and Rocket Film — proudly distributed by Nathan Studios.
(ROHN ROMULO)
