On December 10, 2025, Netflix held a Press Conference and Gala Premiere in Jakarta for Lupa Daratan, its newest Indonesian original film. The event marked a special moment for director Ernest Prakasa—his first-ever collaboration with acclaimed actor Vino G. Bastian, and Netflix’s first partnership with Imajinari, the studio behind some of Indonesia’s biggest hits such as Agak Laen and Jatuh Cinta Seperti di Film-Film.
Streaming globally starting December 11, 2025, Lupa Daratan features a stellar cast including Dea Panendra, Agus Kuncoro, and Emil Kusumo. Blending drama and comedy, the film follows an award-winning yet egocentric actor named Vino Agustian, who suddenly loses his ability to act—right when he is about to land the lead role in a biopic about an important Indonesian figure.
A Mischievous Idea That Sparked a Story
During the press conference, Ernest Prakasa shared the origins of the film’s premise.
What began as a playful “what if” scenario soon evolved into a deeper story.
“The premise came from the idea of what happens when an actor preparing for a major project suddenly loses his skill,” Ernest explained. “From there, the question becomes: why did he lose it? And that’s when the concept of brotherhood emerged.”
After several years away from directing, Ernest described his return to the director’s chair as deeply fulfilling.
“After Cek Toko Sebelah 2 (2022), it feels amazing to direct again. There’s an emptiness that directing fills. In this film, I also wanted to portray the real dynamics of the industry—how, when a film becomes successful, everyone thinks they were the key to that success.”
The Cast Reflects on the World of Film
Photo credit: Netflix
Vino G. Bastian revealed that reading the script felt like stepping into a world that mirrors his own daily life as an actor.
“It’s quite similar—managing schedules, meeting fans, talking with film people,” he said. “The difference is that my character, Vino Agustian, is overly proud of his achievements and thinks everything he has is solely the result of his own effort.”
Playing an actor who can’t act presented its own unique challenge.
“It’s so subjective. I had to make the audience believe it. Translating Ernest’s script into that kind of performance was really interesting.”
Friendship, Loyalty, and the People Behind the Spotlight
Photo credit: Netflix
Dea Panendra, who plays Dimi—the loyal assistant and childhood friend of Vino Agustian—described her character as someone who can adapt to any situation.
“Dimi is versatile. She knows how to be what Vino needs—someone who protects him from the chaos of the film world.”
Photo credit: Netflix
Emil Kusumo portrays Hasto, Vino’s manager and one of the most influential figures in the actor’s life.
“Hasto is the one who first discovered Vino’s talent. A manager doesn’t just handle contracts—they carry great responsibility. And the film explores whether Hasto’s intentions are good, bad, or somewhere in between.”
Photo credit: Netflix
Agus Kuncoro, who plays Iksan—Vino’s older brother—praised Ernest’s clarity and emotional precision as a director.
“He knows exactly where the emotional beats should be and how to orchestrate them. Chemistry was the most important thing for him, and we gave our best to honor that.”
A Space for Actors to Breathe
Photo credit: Netflix
The cast also appreciated Ernest’s approach to giving them room to explore their characters organically.
Instead of rehearsing emotional scenes during script readings, Ernest preferred to let genuine emotion unfold on set.
“We only discussed motivations beforehand,” Ernest said. “The real emotions were saved for the shoot. I wanted the moments to feel organic. I let the actors choose their own blocking and gestures—camera always ready.”
A Glimpse Behind the Glamour
One of Indonesia’s most anticipated films of the year, Lupa Daratan invites audiences to peek behind the glitz of the film industry while delivering heartfelt drama and sharp comedic moments. It also features special appearances by Lukman Sardi, Sheila Dara Aisha, Kristo Immanuel, Arie Kriting, Ardit Erwandha, Indra Jegel, Morgan Oey, and numerous surprise cameos.
Don’t miss Lupa Daratan, streaming globally only on Netflix.
About Lupa Daratan
Production Service Company: Imajinari
Director: Ernest Prakasa
Producers: Dipa Andika, Nurita Anandia
Writer: Ernest Prakasa
Cast: Vino G. Bastian, Dea Panendra, Agus Kuncoro, Emil Kusumo
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