Acclaimed Indonesian actor Reza Rahadian steps behind the camera for “Pangku” (On Your Lap), an intimate drama set against the backdrop of Indonesia’s 1998 economic crisis.
The project is selected for the Hong Kong — Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), the project market that operates concurrently with Hong Kong FilMart.
The film follows Sartika, a pregnant young woman who leaves her city seeking a better future for her child. After relocating to Pantura (Java’s North Coast region), she meets Maya, a coffee shop owner who initially offers help but later manipulates her into working as a “Kopi Pangku” waitress – a tradition where women sit on men’s laps as they drink coffee. Sartika’s life takes a turn when she meets Hadi, a fish distributor truck driver, and falls in love.
“‘Pangku’ is a deeply personal and intimate portrayal of a mother’s resilience, inspired by my own mother’s unwavering strength,” Rahadian said. “This film is a love letter to her, and to all mothers who silently struggle, yet persevere.”
The film, with a budget of $875,000, is currently in production with approximately 85% of financing secured. The production team is seeking additional funding for post-production and distribution partners.
Rahadian, who has starred in over 70 films and won five Citra Awards (Indonesia’s highest film honor), was selected for Berlinale Talents in 2016. THe previously directed the short film “Sebelah” (2011), the anthology “Wanita Tetap Wanita” (2013), and the miniseries “Sementara Selamanya” (2020).
“I want to show that not all people live a life with a plan. Sometimes just barely surviving is already an achievement to some people,” said Rahadian, noting that the film explores themes of resilience without prescribing how people should act.
Producers Arya Ibrahim and Gita Fara bring significant experience to the project. Ibrahim, CEO of Gambar Gerak Films and Raya Rasa Management, served as executive chair of the Indonesian Film Festival from 2021 to 2023. Fara has produced several films that have circulated on the international festival circuit, including Kamila Andini’s “The Seen and Unseen” (2017) and “Before, Now and Then” (2022).
“This film explores themes of humanity, daily life, family, and subjects often considered taboo yet still relevant and relatable to general audiences,” said Ibrahim. “Through this film, we want to tell an inspiring story of how a young woman tries to survive in a society that marginalizes women regarding social, economic, and sexual status.”
The creative team aims to complete the film this year, with hopes for a strong festival premiere followed by theatrical release in Indonesia by Q3 2025.
