Laut Bercerita Opens 29 October 2026
The film Laut Bercerita (international title: The Sea Speaks His Name) officially released its poster and trailer on Wednesday (9/9/2026) and is set for a nationwide release in Indonesian cinemas starting 29 October 2026. The date ties into Youth Pledge Day (Sumpah Pemuda): the film arrives in theaters one day after the commemoration on 28 October.
The film adapts the novel of the same name by Leila S. Chudori, published in 2017, and is directed by Yosep Anggi Noen. In adapting the novel, Chudori was directly involved in writing the screenplay alongside the director.
Before its Indonesian release, Laut Bercerita will debut internationally. The film was selected for the Main Competition at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) 2026, running 6-15 October 2026, for its world premiere.
Laut Bercerita Synopsis: The Disappearing Activists
Laut Bercerita follows the journey of Biru Laut, played by Reza Rahadian, a young man unsettled by the state of the nation who joins a group of student activists called Winatra, dreaming of a democratic Indonesia.
Biru Laut and his friends organize a movement amid a heated political climate under the New Order regime. Then, one night, Biru Laut and several Winatra members suddenly vanish, one by one.
Family, friends, and loved ones search for their traces. Asmara Jati, Biru Laut's younger sister played by Yunita Siregar, becomes a symbol of hope and strength as she keeps seeking answers about her brother's whereabouts.
Laut Bercerita Cast and Production Team
Beyond Reza Rahadian as Biru Laut and Yunita Siregar as Asmara Jati, the film stars Dian Sastrowardoyo, Eva Celia, Christine Hakim, Arswendy Bening Swara, Kevin Julio, Ben Nugroho, Dewa Dayana, Nagra Kautsar, Ibnu Jamil, Natalius Chendana, and Afrian Arisandy.
The screenplay was co-written by Yosep Anggi Noen and Leila S. Chudori. The film is produced by Pal 8 Pictures with producers Gita Fara, Budi Setyarso, and Leila S. Chudori, supported by VMS Studio, Jagartha, Lynx Films, Gambar Gerak Film, and Brandlink.
Creators' Message and Anticipation Ahead of Release
Leila S. Chudori hopes the film can serve as a window into Indonesian history and an inspiration for today's youth to dare to dream of a better Indonesia.
Director Yosep Anggi Noen aims to show a warming side: waiting and searching, he says, are in some ways part of resistance. Reza Rahadian, meanwhile, stressed the film's relevance — even today, there are many young people who care about making change.
With its 29 October 2026 release date, Laut Bercerita stands as one of the most anticipated Indonesian films of the year.
