Jakarta, October 28, 2025 — After its successful world premiere at the 2025 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), actor Reza Rahadian’s directorial debut and the first feature by production house Gambar Gerak, Pangku, is officially set to open in Indonesian cinemas on November 6, 2025.
Pangku presents an intimate and heartfelt portrait of a mother’s struggle — told through a story that is simple yet profoundly human and universal, making it deeply relatable and emotionally resonant for audiences of all backgrounds.
The film follows Sartika (played by Claresta Taufan), a heavily pregnant young woman searching for work. Fate leads her to an elderly couple, Maya (Christine Hakim) and Jaya (Jose Rizal Manua), who take her in. Under their care, Sartika finds a new life, raises her son Bayu (Shakeel Fauzi), and eventually meets Hadi (Fedi Nuril), a fish-truck driver who becomes her love interest.
Reza Rahadian’s Directorial Debut: A Love Letter to Mothers
In his first outing as a director, Reza Rahadian delivers a tender, grounded portrayal of a single mother — a story inspired by his own life experiences as the son of one. Drawing from 38 years of personal journey and two decades of acting, Reza offers a deeply empathetic lens into a mother’s emotional world — one shaped by love, endurance, and the quiet strength of survival.“The inspiration for Pangku came from my mother — a single mother — and how I grew up with her. That’s where it all began. I wanted this film to be a tribute to her,” said Reza Rahadian, writer and director of Pangku.
“After more than 20 years in the film industry, I felt the need for a new challenge and a new space to grow as an artist. Directing has always been my dream.”
Produced by Arya Ibrahim and Gita Fara, with Melyana Tjahjadikarta serving as executive producer, Pangku was co-written by Reza Rahadian and Felix K. Nesi.
The cast includes a stellar lineup of Indonesian talents: Claresta Taufan, Fedi Nuril, Christine Hakim, Shakeel Fauzi Aisy, Jose Rizal Manua, Devano Danendra, Kaan Lativan, Reza Chandika, Lukman Sardi, Nazira C. Noer, Galabby Thahira, Tj Ruth, Happy Salma, Nai Djenar Maesa Ayu, Iswadi Pratama, Nusa Kalimasada, Heliana Sinaga, Rizky Langit, and Demi Medina.
“A Story for Every Mother Who Must Keep Going”“Pangku speaks to and about mothers — especially those who have to work twice as hard to survive,” said producer Gita Fara.
“It’s a story for everyone who has to keep fighting through life without the privilege of choice. Sometimes life simply must go on, with all its joys and sorrows.”
The heartfelt performances of Claresta Taufan and Christine Hakim have earned both actresses Citra Award nominations at the 2025 Indonesian Film Festival (FFI) — for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, respectively.
Their natural chemistry captures the essence of a mother’s struggle — raw, genuine, and deeply moving, without falling into melodrama or pity.“For me, Pangku is an honest reflection of life in Indonesia, especially along the northern coastal regions,” said Claresta Taufan.
“Playing Sartika made me realize how authentic and unfiltered the story is. It’s not made to be overly sad or idealized — and that’s what makes it relatable, even for international audiences who saw the film at Busan.”
Claresta also revealed a memorable challenge during filming:“One of the toughest technical scenes was when I had to pull a cart — it was filmed in one continuous take on a rocky path. It took about eleven takes to get it right.”
Soundtrack: From Nadin Amizah to Iwan Fals
One of the film’s highlights is its use of Nadin Amizah’s song “Rayuan Perempuan Gila” — making Pangku the only film officially licensed to use the track as part of its original soundtrack, despite many previous requests from other productions.
Additionally, Pangku features the legendary Iwan Fals with his iconic song “Ibu” (Mother), re-recorded exclusively for the film, adding emotional depth to Sartika’s journey.
Awards and Recognition
At the 2025 Busan International Film Festival, Pangku won four major awards under the Vision Asia program:
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KB Vision Audience Award
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FIPRESCI Award
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Bishkek International Film Festival – Central Asia Cinema Award
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Face of the Future Award
At the 2025 Indonesian Film Festival (FFI), Pangku received seven Citra Award nominations, including:
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Best Picture
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Best Actress (Claresta Taufan)
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Best Supporting Actress (Christine Hakim)
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Best Original Screenplay (Reza Rahadian & Felix K. Nesi)
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Best Art Direction (Eros Eflin)
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Best Editing (Ahmad Fesdi Anggoro)
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Best Original Score (Ricky Lionardi)
A Simple Yet Profound Film About Humanity
Celebrated both internationally and at home, Pangku tells a story that is simple in narrative yet rich in emotion — a film that feels warm, sincere, and deeply real.
Pangku will open in Indonesian cinemas starting November 6, 2025.
Follow the film’s official social media channels for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes stories.
Synopsis
Sartika (Claresta Taufan), a young pregnant woman, leaves her hometown in search of a better future for her unborn child. She meets Maya (Christine Hakim), the owner of a small coffee stall along the northern coast (Pantura), who takes her in and helps her through childbirth.
After giving birth, Sartika begins working for Maya — serving coffee to truck drivers while sitting on their laps, a tradition known in the area. One day, she meets Hadi (Fedi Nuril), a kind-hearted fish truck driver, and falls in love.
But will Sartika finally find happiness after everything she’s endured?
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