Interview with Director Nakyeong Song

Nakyeong Song, the visionary director behind Survival Kit, artfully blends personal narrative with a background in animated films to explore the emotional weight we carry. Her debut film is a poetic meditation on burdens, freedom, and the quiet power of shared human connections, inviting viewers to reflect on the delicate balance between holding on and letting go.

Was the ‘free drawing’ in the film based on your personal experience?

For someone like me who loved drawing, the free topic was the most difficult theme. At the time, I didn’t even know what the word ‘free’ really meant, so it was intriguing to watch other kids draw with ease.

When I was contrasting the character who carries many burdens next to the carefree Sanae, I remembered that picture from back then—a yellow butterfly awkwardly drawn on a blank canvas. I think I hesitated, fearing I might draw something ‘wrong.’ Freedom comes with responsibility, but I couldn’t take the risk of drawing something wrong.

On the other hand, Sanae achieved freedom after countless sacrifices but ended up with a backpack filled with all those burdens.

What directing elements did you consider most important to effectively convey the protagonist’s emotions?

As Sanae climbs the mountain, burdened with the weight of his backpack, he buries his precious items one by one. This is a space where only Sanae and the mountain exist—no dialogue.

To emphasize how exhausted and overwhelmed he is in the vast mountain, I contrasted wide shots with close-ups. While he appears tiny in the vast forest, I wanted to show the determination and sparkle in his eyes as he refuses to give up.

How did your experience in animated films influence Survival Kit?

When it comes to animated films, without the constraints of live shooting, anything can become part of the story—whether it’s a cloud or a snail. This story, in fact, came to me while observing a snail carrying its home on its back throughout its life.

Do you have any memorable or funny moments from the filming process?

We were doing some additional shooting on campus because there were a lot of wooded areas there. Suddenly, an alarm went off, and the crew panicked, not knowing what to do, and just turned it off. I quickly took advantage of the silence to film the scenes, but later I saw that security had come to check the alarm. I thought we’d get kicked out, but once they heard we were filming, they quietly withdrew… I’m so grateful to both the crew and the security staff.

What do you hope the audience takes away from the film?

I think many people in their 20s, including myself, are unsure of what to put in their backpack, like Miyung in the film. And when we see people like Sanae with full backpacks, we might admire them despite how heavy their load seems. However, as time passes, we might find ourselves hiking with a backpack that’s become too heavy.

I hope the audience realizes they don’t need to be too anxious or force themselves to endure everything alone. Sometimes, offering a bit of kindness and care to one another can make the journey smoother. Everyone shines in their own way, but by listening to each other’s stories, we can end the day’s hike more safely and peacefully.

Do you have any memorable or funny episodes from the filming process?

We had to urgently change the shooting location. Sometimes things don’t go as planned on set, but we handled it flexibly and kept shooting with smiles. We managed everything well. That’s the funny episode.

What do you think is the most important scene in Survival Kit?

Unlike when I was writing the script, after the film was completed, my favorite scene became the one where they dig water out of the ground and share it. When the two characters take turns drinking the water, I felt a sense of relief and refreshment. Even though Sanae’s globe and DVD are his alone, water is something they can immediately share. I think that scene conveyed the feeling that they had finally ‘come down together.’

What type of films do you want to create in the future?

There are so many experiences in our lives that can’t be captured in words or photos. I want to carefully collect and show these fleeting moments, sometimes organizing them with a light touch. I aim to create a calm and intimate world where the audience can experience moments without needing them explained.