Visinema Studios Unveils ‘Kancil’: A Sci-Fi Spin on Indonesian Folklore at JAFF Market

Visinema Studios, a leading Indonesian entertainment company, is creating an animated film called ‘Kancil.’ This movie reimagines a classic local folk tale in a futuristic, sci-fi world. It was recently introduced at the first-ever JAFF Market during the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival in Yogyakarta.

‘Kancil’ tells the story of Arkana, a 14-year-old boy who discovers an ancient super suit called Kancil. Arkana must learn to use the suit’s powers to rescue his giant green brother, Cakil, who has been kidnapped. At the same time, he has to deal with a strained relationship with his strict stepfather.

The movie is directed by Adriano Rudiman, known for ‘Domikado,’ and produced by Novia Puspa Sari of Arini by Love.inc. Rudiman shared that the heart of the story is about belonging and acceptance. “What interests me most is telling a personal story about a son who doesn’t fit in with his family – literally,” he explained.

The project is based on a popular webtoon and written by Widya Arifianti and Ziyanshafa. Visinema Studios sees ‘Kancil’ as more than just a movie. They plan to expand the story into a broader franchise, including series, comics, games, and merchandise.

According to Sari, the film combines universal themes with everyday Indonesian experiences, making it relatable to audiences everywhere. The humor and heart in the story are designed to resonate globally.

Director Rudiman believes that Indonesian independent films are gaining attention worldwide. “Indonesia’s independent cinema is one of the most exciting right now, not just in Southeast Asia, but globally,” he said.

However, challenges like limited funding and lack of government support remain. Rudiman hopes that as Indonesian films become more globally recognized, creators will receive better resources and support.

Sari agrees, noting that international film festivals and streaming platforms have opened new doors for Indonesian stories. Despite challenges like tough competition and distribution hurdles, she sees great potential for local narratives to succeed on the global stage.

‘Kancil’ is part of the Future Project platform at the JAFF Market, which runs from December 3 to 5. The market is a space for creators to showcase innovative projects and connect with the international film community.

With ‘Kancil,’ Visinema Studios aims to bring Indonesian folklore to a new level, blending tradition with modern sci-fi to captivate audiences both at home and around the world.

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