Director Sim F found many pleasant surprises during the production of his latest film, Surat Untuk Masa Mudaku (A Letter to My Younger Self). One of the most memorable was the natural talent shown by the young actors involved in the project. According to Sim F, working with them felt organic and rewarding.
“What impressed me most was how talented they are. It wasn’t difficult at all to talk to them, connect with them, or build an emotional approach,” Sim F said in an interview with ANTARA in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The film features a lineup of young actors including Millo Taslim, Cleo Haura, Halim Latuconsina, Aqila Faherby, Diandra Salsabila Lubis, and Jordan Omar. They are joined by more experienced actors such as Fendy Chow, Agus Wibowo—who plays Simon Ferdinan—and Verdi Solaiman as Gabriel, among others.
An Intense and Meaningful Filming Process
The filming of Surat Untuk Masa Mudaku took place over 28 days and followed a carefully planned timeline that matched the story’s narrative structure. Shooting locations were set in West Java, not far from Jakarta.
To support the story, the production team transformed one of the locations into an orphanage called Pelita Kasih. This setting became the heart of the film, where young actors were able to build emotional bonds as children growing up together.
“It was a lot of fun. Even though many of them had never acted in a film before—Halim, for example—while Cleo and Millo already had some experience. That mix created its own kind of excitement,” Sim F shared.
Balancing Work and Education for Child Actors
Buddy-Buddy Pictures, the film’s production house, paid close attention to the well-being of its child actors. Sim F emphasized that maintaining a balance between work and learning was a top priority during filming.
“We have specific working hours for children. Netflix has clear regulations regarding child labor, and we always have a teacher on set,” he explained.
In addition, the cast underwent special vocal training. These sessions were designed to support choir scenes, which play an important role in the film’s emotional narrative.
Inspired by Real Memories, Not a Biopic
Producer Wilza Lubis revealed that the idea for Surat Untuk Masa Mudaku originated from Sim F’s childhood memories, which he once shared through social media stories. When presented to Netflix, the concept was warmly received because of its emotional relevance and universal themes.
“Netflix agreed right away, and we then developed the script further, written by Daud Sumolang,” Wilza said.
Although inspired by Sim F’s personal experience of living in an orphanage at the age of 12, Wilza emphasized that the film is a work of fiction, not a biographical story.
“Sim did grow up in an orphanage, but this film is not his biopic. It’s a fictional story inspired by that experience,” she clarified.
The film is expected to inspire viewers, especially those who have lived through similar circumstances.
Maintaining Character Continuity Across Time
Surat Untuk Masa Mudaku tells the life journey of Kefas, portrayed by Millo Taslim as a child and Fendy Chow as an adult. The story centers on life inside the Pelita Kasih orphanage, where Kefas and the other children grow up together, forming deep friendships and shared dreams.
Fendy Chow admitted that maintaining continuity between the younger and older versions of Kefas was a key focus during filming. He closely observed Millo’s performance to ensure consistency.
“Director Sim emphasized that even as people grow from childhood into adulthood, certain traits always remain,” Fendy explained.
While Fendy felt his facial features bore some resemblance to Millo’s—making it easier for audiences to recognize the character—he noted differences in vocal tone. Millo’s voice was heavier, prompting Fendy to adjust his own delivery.
“We had to find a balance so it wouldn’t feel too different,” he said.
According to Fendy, young Kefas is portrayed as a warm, cheerful, and slightly quirky character—qualities that needed to remain present in the adult version. The process became a fresh and rewarding experience in his acting career.
Sim F ensured that every performance detail—from child actors to adult cast members—remained consistent, as the emotional depth of the story relies heavily on the audience’s connection to the characters.
Surat Untuk Masa Mudaku is scheduled to premiere globally on Netflix on January 29, 2026. More than a story about the past, the film serves as a heartfelt letter about growth, forgiveness, and making peace with one’s younger self.
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