CinemaBravo

In time for Mother’s Day 2025, Nathan Studios is set to release Picnic — a Filipino-dubbed version of the South Korean film originally directed by Kim Yong-gyun. The new version promises to offer an emotionally rich and culturally resonant experience tailored for Pinoy audiences. It opens May 7 in theaters nationwide.

Staying committed to its vision of reshaping storytelling and content production in the Philippines, Nathan Studios infuses the remake with a strong Filipino spirit rather than merely translating the original.

President and CEO Ria Atayde leads the production, assembling a powerful cast that bridges generations — from respected veteran actors to promising young talents — to breathe new life into the story.

According to the studio, this localized adaptation is more than just a translation: it’s a heartfelt retelling meant to connect deeply with the Filipino family experience.

Plot details are intentionally being kept under wraps, as Nathan Studios believes in preserving the experience of discovering the story firsthand. What’s clear, however, is that Picnic explores themes that deeply resonate with Filipino culture — aging, complex family relationships, enduring friendships, and the lifelong journey of motherhood.

The film blends nostalgia and introspection, offering a heartfelt exploration of the past and the enduring bonds that withstand time.

Taking on the role of Eun-sim is award-winning actress Ces Quesada, whose portrayal of the older version of the character carries both quiet strength and deep vulnerability. Meanwhile, early reactions to the voice acting of Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11 winner Fyang Smith — who plays the younger Eun-sim — describe her as a scene-stealer.

Opposite them is veteran actress Nova Villa as Geum-soon, Eun-sim’s childhood best friend. Nova’s performance is being touted as one of her most touching and unforgettable portrayals to date.

Completing the central trio is Bodjie Pascua, who breathes life into the elder Tae-ho — a man whose long-suppressed emotions resurface in old age. The younger Tae-ho is played by Fyang’s onscreen partner JM Ibarra, who adds depth and contrast to the character’s emotional arc.

The original South Korean version starred Na Moon-hee (Eun-sim), Kim Young-ok (Geum-soon), and Park Geun-hyung (Tae-ho). It was filmed in the tranquil village of Pyeongsan-ri, Namhae-gun, in South Gyeongsang Province — a setting that perfectly captured the reflective tone of the narrative with its lush visuals and serene rural landscapes.

With a modest production budget of 1.2 billion KRW (around $911,000), the original Picnic exceeded expectations, grossing over USD $2.2 million. It topped South Korea’s independent and art-house box office for two consecutive weeks and received critical praise for its sensitive portrayal of emotional, weighty themes.

Park Geun-hyung’s performance even earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the Baeksang Arts Awards — a testament to the film’s emotional impact. These same performances are faithfully preserved in Nathan Studios’ Filipino dub, reflecting the company’s commitment to bringing global stories home in a way that speaks directly to the Filipino heart.

Nathan Studios has long built its reputation on taking creative risks. From genre-defying series to bold casting decisions and unexpected narrative directions, the studio consistently chooses the road less traveled. With Picnic, it once again offers a refreshing and powerful take that gently disrupts expectations of what a family film can be.

Although the Filipino-dubbed version remains faithful to the original story, it gains new emotional resonance through the voices of some of the country’s most respected actors. The result is a cinematic experience that feels both familiar and new — echoing the distinct emotional rhythm of Filipino life, from caring for elders to revisiting childhood memories and reassessing lifelong friendships.

By selecting Picnic as its 2025 Mother’s Day offering, Nathan Studios reaffirms its belief in the power of storytelling to honor mothers and families in all their complexities. The film doesn’t shy away from the messy, imperfect realities of motherhood and friendship. Instead, it leans into the nuances, the regrets, and the quiet moments that make a life meaningful.

Picnic is more than just a tearjerker. It’s a reflective cinematic piece that invites viewers to look back, reconnect, and acknowledge the people who shaped their lives. It leaves a lasting impression not through twists or spectacle, but through memory, honesty, and emotional truth.

In an era saturated with over-the-top storytelling, Picnic dares to slow down — to remember, to reflect, and to feel.

For screening schedules, follow @nathan.studios on Instagram and visit facebook.com/nathanstudiosinc.