Reza Rahadian’s Directorial Debut, “Pangku,” to be Showcased at Cannes Film Festival 2025
Aktor Reza Rahadian is set to present his directorial debut, “Pangku,” at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2025. The exciting news was announced via the film’s official Instagram account, @filmpangku, on Thursday, March 20th.
The Instagram post revealed that “Pangku” has been selected as one of only five film projects to win the HAF Goes to Cannes Program. The Cannes Film Festival 2025 is scheduled to take place from May 13th to 25th, 2025.
“And will continue its journey to be presented at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Let’s send our best wishes and support for @filmpangku’s next long journey,” the announcement stated on the film’s Instagram page.
“Pangku” marks a significant milestone in Reza Rahadian’s career, as it is his first foray into directing. He co-wrote the screenplay with Felix K. Nesi. The film delves into the life and struggles of a woman living on the North Coast of Java.
The film boasts a talented cast including Claresta Taufan, Devano Danendra, Fedi Nuril, Shakeel Fauzi, and veteran actress Christine Hakim. “Pangku” is slated for theatrical release in 2025.
Prior to its Cannes selection, “Pangku” received the White Light Post-Production Award at the JAFF Future Project 2024. Furthermore, the film was chosen to be presented at the 23rd Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF23).
At HAF23, “Pangku” joined 15 other feature films in the WIP (Work-in-progress) section. HAF23 took place from March 17th to 19th, coinciding with the 29th Hong Kong International Film & Television Market (FILMART).
Reza Rahadian explained his motivation for making his directorial debut with “Pangku,” which is produced by Arya Ibrahim. He felt the timing was right to bring his creative vision to life.
“It was never set for today or yesterday. I believe this project flowed, everything happened organically,” Reza said at XXI Epicentrum, South Jakarta.
Reza revealed that “Pangku” explores the tradition of “kopi pangku” (coffee served by women) in the Pantura region, which he witnessed during a film shoot years ago. During his research, Reza learned that this tradition is gradually fading away.
“It just popped into my head that one day if I make a film, the setting wouldn’t be far from life there. What’s interesting is how the response to that life or culture is starting to erode due to the expansion of industrial areas,” Reza added, highlighting the film’s themes of cultural preservation and societal change.
Ringkasan
Reza Rahadian’s directorial debut, “Pangku,” has been selected to be showcased at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. This announcement was made via the film’s official Instagram account, highlighting that “Pangku” is among the five film projects chosen for the HAF Goes to Cannes Program. The film, co-written by Reza Rahadian and Felix K. Nesi, explores the life of a woman on the North Coast of Java and features a cast including Claresta Taufan, Devano Danendra, and Christine Hakim.
“Pangku” had previously received the White Light Post-Production Award at the JAFF Future Project 2024 and was presented at the 23rd Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF23). Reza Rahadian was inspired to create the film after witnessing the tradition of “kopi pangku” in the Pantura region, aiming to explore cultural preservation in the face of societal change. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release in 2025.