Led by actor Kim Hye-ja, film opens nationwide Wednesday

'A work that looks back on history we must remember'

Poster for "Still Brilliantly" [Daewoo Engineering & Construction]
Poster for "Still Brilliantly" [Daewoo Engineering & Construction]

Studio Prugio, a subsidiary of Daewoo Engineering & Construction, is making its first foray into cultural content investment with the film "Still Brilliantly," set to open nationwide Wednesday.

According to Daewoo Engineering & Construction, Studio Prugio was established to extend the company's investment capabilities into cultural content, contribute to the sustainable growth of the K-content ecosystem, and create social value through collaboration with the arts and culture sector.

Studio Prugio selected the film as its first investment project, citing the sincerity of its concept and the strength of its screenplay. The company said the collaboration between director Song Il-gon, whose directing credentials are well established, and actor Kim Hye-ja, known for her depth of performance, makes the work both artistically accomplished and broadly appealing.

"Still Brilliantly" is set in 1942 during the Japanese colonial period and follows Sunok (played by Kim Hye-ja), who reunites after 60 years with her closest childhood friend — the person with whom she shared the most radiant moments of her life.

"This is a story that holds the dreams and radiant moments of girls in full bloom, and it is also the story of all of us living today," Kim said. "I hope audiences will hold on to the memory of these girls — whose time was, and still is, and will always be, brilliantly bright — for a long time to come."

A Studio Prugio official said the film "invites audiences to look back on history we must remember, through the friendship of two women," adding that rather than depicting painful history directly, the story follows one friend who is losing her memories and another who remembers everything, allowing viewers to connect with the material naturally.

"Still Brilliantly" made its world premiere Oct. 8 as an official selection of the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), where it was screened for audiences and industry figures from around the world. VIP and press previews followed Thursday. Jinwoo Sunim, head of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, also attended the VIP preview to show his support for the film.


lucky@heraldcorp.com