Renowned actor Reza Rahadian’s directorial debut, “Film Pangku,” is set to make a significant international impression, having been selected for presentation at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2025. This exciting news was revealed via the film’s official Instagram account, @filmpangku, on Thursday, March 20. “Film Pangku” earned this coveted spot as one of five projects to win the highly competitive HAF Goes to Cannes Program. The Cannes Film Festival 2025 is scheduled to take place from May 13 to 25, 2025. The Instagram announcement passionately urged, “And will continue its journey to be presented at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Let’s send good prayers and support for @filmpangku’s next long journey, yes.”
“Film Pangku” Marks Reza Rahadian’s Directorial Debut
Marking a pivotal career moment for the acclaimed Indonesian actor, “Film Pangku” serves as Reza Rahadian’s directorial debut. Rahadian co-wrote the compelling screenplay alongside Felix K. Nesi, crafting a narrative that delves into the profound life struggles of a woman residing on the North Coast of Java. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring talented actors such as Claresta Taufan, Devano Danendra, Fedi Nuril, Shakeel Fauzi, and veteran actress Christine Hakim. Audiences can anticipate its theatrical release sometime in 2025.
Prior to its Cannes selection, “Film Pangku” had already garnered significant recognition within the industry. The project was honored with the White Light Post-Production Award at JAFF Future Project 2024, signaling its potential early on. Furthermore, it successfully navigated the selection process to be presented at the 23rd Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF23). At HAF23, “Film Pangku” was showcased alongside 15 other feature films in the highly regarded Work-in-Progress (WIP) section. This forum took place from March 17 to 19, coinciding with the 29th Hong Kong International Film & Television Market (FILMART), providing a vital platform for the film’s development.
Reza Rahadian, whose directorial journey for “Film Pangku” is supported by producer Arya Ibrahim, shared his compelling reasons for venturing into filmmaking now. He firmly believes that the timing is opportune for him to birth such a creative work. Reflecting on the organic development of the project, Rahadian stated at XXI Epicentrum, South Jakarta, “It was never set for today or yesterday. I believe this project flowed, everything happened organically.”
The inspiration for “Film Pangku” stems from the unique ‘kopi pangku’ (lap coffee) tradition in the Pantura (North Coast of Java) region, which Reza first observed years ago while filming another project. During his extensive research for “Film Pangku,” he discovered that this traditional practice is gradually changing. “It just crossed my mind one day that if I were to make a film, its setting wouldn’t be far from the life that exists there,” Reza explained. He added, “What’s interesting is how the response to that life or culture is eroding due to the expansion of industrial zones,” highlighting the film’s underlying social commentary on the impact of modernization on local traditions.
Summary
Reza Rahadian’s directorial debut, “Film Pangku,” has been officially selected for presentation at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2025, scheduled from May 13 to 25. This significant achievement was revealed on March 20 via the film’s official Instagram, noting its win as one of five projects in the competitive HAF Goes to Cannes Program. This selection marks a major international milestone for the acclaimed Indonesian actor’s first venture into directing.
“Film Pangku,” co-written by Rahadian and Felix K. Nesi, delves into the life struggles of a woman on the North Coast of Java, drawing inspiration from the ‘kopi pangku’ tradition and exploring the impact of modernization. Featuring a notable cast including Christine Hakim and Fedi Nuril, the film is anticipated for a theatrical release in 2025. Prior to Cannes, the project garnered recognition with the White Light Post-Production Award at JAFF Future Project 2024 and was presented at the HAF23 Work-in-Progress section.