Indonesian Film ‘Laut Bercerita’ to Hit Cinemas on October 29

JAKARTA, (STUPA) — Indonesian drama Laut Bercerita, adapted from the novel by Leila S. Chudori, will open in cinemas across Indonesia on October 29, bringing a story of student activism, enforced disappearance, family loss and the pursuit of justice to the big screen.

Directed by Yosep Anggi Noen, the 135-minute film is set in Indonesia in the late 1990s and follows Biru Laut, a university student who joins the Winatra study group, where young people share a commitment to freedom and justice.

As their struggle intensifies, Biru Laut and his friends face challenges that test their convictions, while their families are left to confront uncertainty, prolonged waiting and the consequences of loss.

Produced by Pal 8 Pictures and several partners, the film premiered at the 2026 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) before holding its Indonesian premiere in Jakarta on October 20.

A story of struggle across generations

Although set in the late 1990s, Laut Bercerita explores questions that remain relevant today, including the right to speak freely, the pursuit of justice and the resilience of people confronting violence and uncertainty.

Director and co-screenwriter Yosep Anggi Noen sees the experiences of young people in the film as part of a broader struggle that transcends geographical boundaries and generations.

The film also seeks to highlight the role of cinema in raising awareness of violence and the continuing pursuit of justice.

Reza Rahadian, who plays Biru Laut, views the story as a source of hope for younger generations and a reminder of their role in shaping a better future.

The narrative extends beyond those directly involved in the struggle, focusing on the families and friends left behind. Their prolonged wait for answers underscores the personal consequences of uncertainty and loss.

Women's perspectives at the heart of the story

Women play a significant role in the film's account of resistance and its aftermath.

Dian Sastrowardoyo portrays Kinan, one of the leaders of the Winatra group, while Yunita Siregar plays Asmara Jati, Biru Laut's younger sister, who seeks the truth while trying to sustain her family's hope.

Christine Hakim and Arswendy Bening Swara portray Biru Laut's parents, whose lives are shaped by the uncertainty surrounding their son.

Through these characters, the film presents different forms of perseverance. Some challenge injustice directly, others continue searching for answers, while those left behind struggle to keep hope alive.

The screenplay was co-written by Chudori and Noen, based on Chudori's novel. The film is produced by Gita Fara, Budi Setyarso and Chudori.

Film launches aid campaign for fire-affected communities

Beyond its cinematic release, Laut Bercerita is supporting a fundraising initiative called “Bisa Bersama Laut” to help communities affected by forest and land fires, known in Indonesia as karhutla.

The initiative, launched in collaboration with fundraising platform Kitabisa.com, began during the film's gala premiere in Jakarta on October 20. Guests were encouraged to contribute to support communities affected by the fires.

The campaign extends the film's themes of solidarity and humanity beyond the screen, linking its story of loss and resilience with assistance for people facing the consequences of environmental disasters.

Ensemble cast and national release

The film is produced by Pal 8 Pictures in collaboration with VMS Studio, Jagartha, Lynx Films and Gambar Gerak Film.

Its cast also includes Eva Celia, Yoga Pratama, Kevin Julio, Ben Nugroho, Dewa Dayana, Nagra Pakusadewo, Ibnu Jamil, Natalius Chendana and Afrian Arisandy.

Running for 135 minutes, the film is intended for audiences aged 17 and above and is scheduled to open in Indonesian cinemas on October 29, 2026.

Through its portrayal of friendship, family, courage and loss, Laut Bercerita brings a story rooted in Indonesia's past to contemporary audiences, inviting reflection on justice, memory and the human cost of prolonged uncertainty.

Further updates are available through the film's official Instagram account, @film lautbercerita (handle to be verified before publication). (AIKO)