Indonesian filmmaker Angga Dwimas Sasongko electrified audiences at JAFF Market 2025 with the first major public presentation of his high-concept action-fantasy film “Queen of Malacca” (Ratu Malaka). The event showcased the project’s ensemble cast, visual style, and innovative action approach, marking a significant milestone in Southeast Asian genre filmmaking.
The film was first announced during the Cannes Film Market and has since built strong anticipation across the regional film industry.
Cast Lineup Unveiled
During a rapid-fire stage presentation, Sasongko introduced stylized character boards and confirmed the principal cast, including:
Claresta Taufan
Faris Fadjar
Lutesha
Ganindra Bimo
Dion Wiyoko
Jihane Almira
Wulan Guritno
The announcement also featured producer Kori Adyanning and legendary Hong Kong stunt coordinator Man Ching, whose entrance drew enthusiastic applause from the audience.
World-Building and Story Direction
Sasongko described Queen of Malacca as a contemporary Southeast Asia-inspired fantasy world, developed with its own mythology, language, and cultural structure.
“This is not a period film. It’s modern, it’s contemporary. We built a fantasy world inspired by Southeast Asia — its belief systems, philosophy, even its writing and heirlooms,” he said.
Rather than traditional period-based action, the film blends regional martial arts and modern cinematic style, adopting what Sasongko calls a hybrid action language.
Silat Meets Hong Kong Action
To achieve the film’s unique fighting style, Sasongko has paired Indonesian action choreographer Reza Hilman with Man Ching, known for decades of collaboration with Hong Kong and Hollywood legends including Jackie Chan.
Man Ching previewed his approach:
“I want to create a new style. I want to combine different people and different characters. Something new for this film.”
Cast members emphasized the physical intensity of the preparation process.
Dion Wiyoko, returning to the action genre after 16 years, said:
“Every day brought a new challenge. Training with Man Ching required total focus so that when we shoot, our bodies are already conditioned.”
Jihane Almira added that the film allows her to break from her public persona:
“It’s something very different from who I am on social media.”
A Major Production for Visinema
Produced by Visinema, Queen of Malacca stands as one of Sasongko’s most ambitious projects, following hits like “Wiro Sableng,” “13 Bombs” and “Heartbreak Motel.” After leading corporate transformation and overseeing “Jumbo,” Indonesia’s most successful animated film, Sasongko is back behind the camera.
The presentation closed with a “test reveal”, a one-day camera look that showcased tone and texture rather than final footage.
“If this is just 20%, imagine what the full film will look like,” Sasongko teased.
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