Release and festival selection of Laut Bercerita film

The Indonesian film adaptation of the novel ‘Laut Bercerita’ (internationally titled ‘The Sea Speaks His Name’) has gained international recognition following its selection for the main competition at the 31st Busan International Film Festival in South Korea. This marks the first time an Indonesian production has competed in the festival’s main category. Producer Gita Fara noted that because the festival is Oscar-qualifying, a win could lead to eligibility for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2027 Academy Awards.

Directed by Yosep Anggi Noen and produced by Pal8 Pictures, the film explores themes of student activism and the political events of 1998, specifically depicting the struggles of Biru Laut and the Winatra study group. To connect the historical setting with modern audiences, the production utilizes a popular culture approach, incorporating elements of romance, family, and music from artists such as Efek Rumah Kaca and Iwan Fals. The film’s screenwriter, Leila S. Chudori, noted the challenges of adapting the book to an audiovisual medium, including negotiating scenes to maintain cohesion and adding historical context, such as the arrest of a reader of Pramoedya Ananta Toer.

Following the release of the film’s trailer, lead actor Reza Rahadian, who portrays Biru Laut, described his acting method as a ‘calculated risk,’ focusing on the character’s quiet nature and communication through eyes and written words rather than dialogue. The film is scheduled for its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival in October 2026, followed by a simultaneous theatrical release in Indonesian cinemas on October 29, 2026.