RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Mahakarya Pictures has released the animated science fiction film Pelangi di Mars (Rainbow on Mars), directed by Upie Guava. The film tells the story of an Indonesian astronaut’s mission to save humanity from a global water crisis by exploring Mars.

Set in the year 2082, Earth is no longer habitable due to severe water contamination. Astronaut Pratiwi, played by Lutesha, is assigned to collect zeolite omega minerals on Mars to purify water back on Earth.

Her mission, however, proves far from simple. Facing harsh Martian terrain and abandoned by fellow researchers, Pratiwi discovers she is pregnant. She later gives birth to Pelangi, portrayed by Messi Gusti, the first child born on Mars.

The narrative continues into 2139, following Pelangi’s journey with her mother and a robot named Batik, voiced by Bimoky, as they search for the mineral while avoiding hostile robots.

After Pratiwi disappears in a storm, Pelangi continues the mission with Batik, who becomes her protector. The adventure also features robots from Russia, Europe, India, and Korea, adding to the challenges of surviving on Mars.

The production of Pelangi di Mars took five years and involved more than 200 Indonesian creatives. It utilized Extended Reality (XR) technology developed by Upie’s studio, DossGuavaXR, along with Unreal Engine, a real-time graphics tool widely used in global film and gaming industries.

Actors performed using motion capture, requiring them to imagine interactions with robots and virtual environments.

Upie and producer Dendi Reynando said the film was created in response to the limited number of Indonesian children’s films that highlight courage and humanistic values through imaginative fiction.

“We grew up with many stories that fostered big dreams, like becoming an astronaut or a scientist. With Pelangi di Mars, we aim to present an adventure story closely connected to science and space exploration that fosters Indonesian children’s curiosity about science,” Upie said, as quoted by Antara.

The film also aims to encourage family audiences to discuss sustainability and the importance of protecting the Earth. “Family films in Indonesia are still very limited. We want to present a story that parents and children can enjoy together,” Dendi said.

Actors faced unique challenges during filming, including motion-capture sessions with body actors portraying robots. Acting coach Almanzo Konoralma guided performers to adapt their movements to match robotic gestures. Costumes and the need to imagine life on Mars added further demands.

The film received support from the State Film Company (PFN) and the Ministry of Creative Economy, which promoted it through installations such as a giant Batik robot balloon and a train livery featuring Pelangi di Mars.

With its advanced technology and science-based storytelling, Pelangi di Mars is expected to be a highlight of the Eid al-Fitr holiday season and to contribute to the development of Indonesia’s film industry. ***