RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The acclaimed novel Laut Bercerita (The Sea Speaks His Name) by Leila S. Chudori is making its way to the global stage, with its film adaptation selected for presentation at the prestigious “HAF Goes to Cannes” program during the Marché du Film 2026.

The project was chosen by the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), one of Asia’s leading platforms for film financing and co-production.

The announcement was made by Lynx Films through its official social media channels. The program will run from May 15 to 18 in Cannes, France, offering selected projects the chance to connect with international producers, distributors, and festival programmers.

Directed by Yosep Anggi Noen, Laut Bercerita is produced by Pal8 Pictures in collaboration with VMS Studio, Jagartha, Lynx Films, and Brandlink.

The ensemble cast features Reza Rahadian, Yunita Siregar, Christine Hakim, Arswendi Bening Swara, Dian Sastrowardoyo, and Eva Celia, alongside Kevin Julio, Ben Nugroho, Dewa Dayana, Yoga Pratama, Nagra Kautsar, Natalius Chendana, and Afrian Arisandy.

During the Cannes presentation, the team will showcase a short preview of the film, with director Yosep Anggi Noen scheduled to attend in person to introduce the project and meet potential collaborators.

Adapted from Leila S. Chudori’s best-selling novel, the story explores the disappearance of student activist Biru Laut during the final years of Indonesia’s New Order era, while portraying the emotional struggle of his family in their search for truth.

Since its release, the novel has resonated deeply with Indonesian readers and become one of the country’s most celebrated works of contemporary literature.

Participation in Cannes marks a significant milestone for Laut Bercerita, as the production team hopes the project will attract wider international collaboration and strengthen its path toward global distribution. (Diva Rifdah)