STILL HERE
〰️
STILL HERE 〰️
STILL HERE
Composer
THE
DIRECTOR
Short Excerpts
NGOG QUANG MAI
THE STORY
“Mai finds herself caught between study, work, and the emotional burden of supporting her family back home. Being pushed to the brink constantly throughout her life to be expected to support more than she can carry, she finds difficulty in asking for help, and instead carries pressure inward until it begins to wear her down. The film captures moments before she reaches the cusp of her limits, and enters a moment of fragility, vulnerability and relief.”
THE MUSIC
The music starts with a melancholic piano that acts as the facade Mai puts in front of others. Showing that she is calm and has everything under controlled. This is juxtaposed with uneasy strings that enter – showing the hidden cracks of the pressure built within her.
For the final scene, this is a moment of relief, tiredness, and hope for Mai as she stands up for herself and asks that her brother takes care of themselves. The music reflects this by introducing a new instrument – the acoustic guitar – that indicates the change happening and the relief Mai feels.