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Study Hard

After a teenager senses a mysterious presence stalking her in the dark, she must stay intensely focused on her studies or risk losing her life.

  • Hungyu Kuo
    Director
  • Hungyu Kuo
    Writer
  • Hungyu Kuo
    Producer
  • Leila Cao
    Key Cast
  • Jenny Wu
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Horror
  • Runtime:
    1 minute
  • Completion Date:
    May 10, 2018
  • Production Budget:
    50 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Taiwan
  • Country of Filming:
    Taiwan
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    4:3
  • Film Color:
    Black & White and Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - National Kaohsiung Normal University
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Hungyu Kuo

Born in Taoyuan and raised in Kaohsiung, Hungyu Kuo began his creative journey while studying English literature and linguistics at National Kaohsiung Normal University. There, he produced, wrote, and directed works including "Overact," a musical that premiered at the Kaohsiung Cultural Center in 2019. In 2021, his first short film, "Study Hard," marked the true start of his career as a filmmaker.

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Director Statement

"Study Hard" is a horror short that explores the anxiety of growing up within an education system shaped by the Confucian ideal: “Only the learned rank high; all other trades rank low.” The film shows the helplessness students experience and suggests that, regardless of their passions or plans, gaining knowledge is crucial for navigating society.

The original version, titled "Nightmares," was made as a response to my struggle with credentialism. But over time, I realized that ignorance itself can be even more frightening. This inspired me to rewrite the story as "Study Hard," a warning for young people about what could happen if they refuse to focus on learning.

--- Hungyu Kuo