​RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian cinema has ended a 13-year hiatus at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, United States (US), as director Wregas Bhanuteja’s latest feature, Para Perasuk (Levitating) earned a thunderous standing ovation during its world premiere. 

As reported by Antara, the Rekata Studio production emerged as a standout contender after debuting in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition on January 24, 2026. This milestone marks a historic return for Southeast Asian storytelling on one of the world’s most influential independent film stages.

The film features an ensemble cast including Angga Yunanda, Maudy Ayunda, Bryan Domani, Chicco Kurniawan, and international icon Anggun C. Sasmi. It explores the obsessive quest of a young man named Bayu to become a spirit medium while external forces threaten his village.

Moving beyond mere exoticism, Bhanuteja masterfully portrays possession as a communal phenomenon. “Possession and the sambetan ritual in this film are presented as everyday communal experiences. Moments where people step out of their routines, release pressure, and reconnect with one another,” explained Wregas.

Reflecting on the warm reception in Park City, Utah, Wregas expressed his gratitude for the international audience's connection to the story.

“I am very grateful that our latest work has been well-received by international audiences, including at Sundance, and I hope it will later receive a similar welcome from Indonesian viewers,” he said in a press release on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Critical acclaim followed the premiere, with Screen Daily singling out Anggun for a "mesmerizing" performance and praising the film’s artistic depth. The publication described the work as an “energetic quasi-coming-of-age tale from Wregas that provides enlightenment as well as artistic intelligence.” 

Such praise is significant given the competitive nature of the festival. Para Perasuk was selected from a staggering 16,201 submissions worldwide to compete as one of only ten films in its category.

Producer Iman Usman noted that this successful debut serves as a vital springboard for the film’s upcoming domestic release. 

“We began the first steps for Para Perasuk at the Sundance Film Festival with great enthusiasm. The hope is that the film can meet even more viewers from various countries after this,” he remarked. 

As Sundance 2026 continues through February 1, the buzz surrounding the film signals a new high-water mark for Indonesian independent cinema on the global circuit. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)