trenddjakarta.com, Jakarta, October 21, 2026 — Fear and anxiety are not always easy to express, even to those closest to us. In the short film Cerita Seperjalanan, director Bernardus Raka explores these struggles through a story about relationships, communication, and the importance of having a support system. In collaboration with Toyota Astra Motor, the film premiered at Jakarta Film Week 2026 on October 21.
Cerita Seperjalanan follows Rava (Wafda Saifan) and Yara (Amanda Rawles), a couple preparing for their engagement. However, their long-awaited plans encounter obstacles when Rava appears reluctant to make preparations. Yara grows suspicious, while Rava keeps something to himself that he has yet to find the courage to share. The car’s cabin becomes an intimate space where the two can talk openly.
The film was produced within a relatively short timeframe. Pre-production took place between June and July 2026, followed by filming in August. With a runtime of 20 minutes, the team faced the challenge of building complex characters and conveying emotions through scenes that do not always rely on dialogue.
Amanda Rawles shared that the script-reading session, initially scheduled for one meeting, was extended by mutual agreement with Wafda to develop their characters more deeply.
“During the preparation, we were a little worried because it was quite challenging to create complex characters within a 20-minute runtime and with such a short preparation. Some scenes have very little dialogue, but the emotions still need to come through,” Amanda said.
For Wafda, the character of Rava resonated with his personal experiences, reminding him of his own journey when starting his career. This connection was one of the reasons he decided to be part of the film.
The collaboration with Toyota Astra Motor supported the creative process. Recognizing the rapid growth of Indonesia’s film industry, the company saw an opportunity to support the creative sector. Elias Marendra, the film’s Creative Director, appreciated the creative freedom given.
“Coming from an advertising background, I’m used to brands placing commercial demands. I’m very grateful Toyota gave us so much room to develop the story. When I asked for feedback, they asked, ‘What’s best for the movie?’” Elias said.
The premiere at Jakarta Film Week 2026 was attended by 87 viewers. Ferdy, one audience member, said: “As someone who enjoyed Nobody Loves Kay, I was curious to see his new work. Despite its short runtime, it managed to convey complex emotions close to everyday life. Wafda and Amanda’s performances felt natural.
”Through Rava and Yara’s story, Cerita Seperjalanan reminds us that facing our fears does not have to be a journey we take alone.
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