The Sea Speaks His Name
| The Sea Speaks His Name | |
|---|---|
 Poster | |
| Indonesian | Laut Bercerita |
| Directed by | Yosep Anggi Noen |
| Written by |
|
| Based on | |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | Reza Rahadian |
| Cinematography | Batara Goempar |
| Edited by | Dinda Amanda |
Production companies |
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Running time | 120 minutes |
| Country | Indonesia |
| Language | Indonesian |
The Sea Speaks His Name (Indonesian: Laut Bercerita) is an Indonesian upcoming political drama film directed by Yosep Anggi Noen. It is based on the 2017 novel of the same name by Leila S. Chudori. She also co-wrote the screenplay with Noen. The film stars Reza Rahadian as Biru Laut.
The film is scheduled for release in 2026.
Premise
Set in the final years of New Order authoritarian regime, Biru Laut, a student activist, disappears mysteriously. The Sea Speaks His Name follows the search by his family for him and other missing student activists.[1]
Cast
- Reza Rahadian as Biru Laut
- Yunita Siregar as Asmara Jati
- Dian Sastrowardoyo as Kasih Kinanti
- Eva Celia as Ratih Anjani
- Christine Hakim as Mrs. Wibisana
- Arswendy Bening Swara as Arya Wibisana
- Kevin Julio as Daniel Tumbuan
- Ben Nugroho as Alex Perazon
- Dewa Dayana as Sunu Dyantoro
- Yoga Pratama as Arifin Bramantyo
- Nagra Pakusadewo as Naratama
- Natalius Chendana as Julius
- Afrian Arisandy as Gala Pranaya
Production
In June 2025, Indonesian publication Tempo launched a production company Pal8 Pictures, intending to highlight political stories in films.[2] During the 2025 JAFF Market, Pal8 Pictures announced that they had optioned the novel The Sea Speaks His Name by Leila S. Chudori, with Yosep Anggi Noen attached to direct. It was also announced that Reza Rahadian, Yunita Siregar, Dian Sastrowardoyo, Eva Celia, Christine Hakim, and Arswendy Bening Swara joined the cast.[3] This is the second adaptation of the book since the 2017 short film directed by Pritagita Arianegara, which was released on the same day as the book launch.[4] Rahadian was set to reprise his role as Biru Laut, a character he also played in the short film. Sastrowardoyo, who played Ratih Anjani in the short film, would portray Kasih Kinanti in the feature film.[5] In February 2026, it was reported that Kevin Julio, Ben Nugroho, Dewa Dayana, Yoga Pratama, Nagra Pakusadewo, Natalius Chendana, and Afrian Arisandy had joined the cast.[6] In March 2026, the project participated at the HKIFF Industry Project Market.[7] It won the HAF WIP Award and received $12,800 grant. It was also selected to be presented at the Marché du Film under the HAF Goes to Cannes Programme.[8]
Principal photography took place in Semarang, Salatiga, Sukabumi, and Jakarta.[9]
Release
The Sea Speaks His Name is scheduled to be released theatrically in Indonesia in 2026.[10]
References
- ↑ Ramachandran, Naman (1 December 2025). "Reza Rahadian, Dian Sastrowardoyo Lead Yosep Anggi Noen's 'The Sea Speaks His Name'". Variety. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
- ↑ Zulfikar (19 June 2025). "Tempo Luncurkan Pal8 Pictures: Suara Kebenaran Lewat Film". Interaksi. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
- ↑ Ramachandran, Naman (1 December 2025). "Inside Indonesia's Next Wave: The 2026 Films Poised to Break Out Regionally and Beyond". Variety. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
- ↑ "Novel Laut Bercerita Diadaptasi Jadi Film Panjang". Detik.com (in Indonesian). 2 December 2025. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
- ↑ Noviandi, Ferry; Rosana, Tiara (24 February 2026). "Reuni Para Bintang di Laut Bercerita: Reza Rahadian Tetap Biru Laut, Dian Sastrowardoyo Ganti Peran". Suara (in Indonesian). Retrieved 19 March 2026.
- ↑ Purwanti, Rani (25 February 2026). "Daftar Pemain Film Laut Bercerita, Reza Rahadian sampai Christine Hakim". IDN Times (in Indonesian). Retrieved 19 March 2026.
- ↑ Wong, Silvia (5 February 2026). "Nick Cheung, Reza Rahadian among HAF 2026 works in progress selection". Screen International. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
- ↑ Rosser, Michael (19 March 2026). "'38.83', 'Good Trip', 'The Sea Speaks His Name' lead 2026 HKIFF Industry winners". Screen International. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
- ↑ Astuti, Tia Agnes (2 December 2025). "Laut Bercerita Debut Jadi Film Panjang, Diproduksi Pal 8 Pictures". Detik.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 19 March 2026.
- ↑ "Film Laut Bercerita dari Yosep Anggi Noen Tayang 2026". CNN Indonesia (in Indonesian). 2 December 2025. Retrieved 19 March 2026.