The Official Sea of Stories Player List Announced, Here It Is

JAKARTA - The production house Pal8 Pictures announced the more complete list of actors for the film Laut Bercerita.

After previously introducing the main cast at the JAFF Market last year - namely Reza Rahadian as Biru Laut, Yunita Siregar as Asmara Jati, Christine Hakim as mother, Arswendi Bening Swara as father, Dian Sastrowardoyo as Kasih Kinanti, and Eva Celia as Ratih Anjani - Pal8 Pictures again announced the other cast in Jakarta, Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

Directed by Yosep Anggi Noen and adapted from the bestselling novel by Leila S. Chudori, the film also stars Kevin Julio as Daniel Tumbuan, Ben Nugroho as Alex Perazon, Dewa Dayana as Sunu Dyantoro, Yoga Pratama as Arifin Bramantyo, Nagra Kautsar as Naratama, Natalius Chendana as Julius, and Afrian Arisandy as Gala Pranaya.

The names play an important part in the life of Biru Laut, namely the Winatra student discussion group.

The film's screenplay was written by Leila S. Chudori together with Yosep Anggi Noen and produced by Gita Fara, Budi Setyarso, and Leila S. Chudori. Pal8 Pictures also collaborated with VMS Studio, Jagartha, Lynx Films, and Brandlink.

In the Sea of Stories, Blue Sea does not move alone. In 1991, the English Literature student met one of Winatra's leaders, Kasih Kinanti. Since then, Laut along with Daniel, Alex, and Sunu joined the group. They understand that reading and writing are forms of resistance. But moving is the next step to fight injustice.

Reza Rahadian admitted that playing Biru Laut in this feature film was an emotional challenge in itself. However, he hopes that the film will be able to cultivate social sensitivity for the audience.

"Hopefully this film can open a space for reflection on current social problems," said Reza Rahadian in South Jakarta.

He also revealed a pleasant experience during the production process, namely his closeness to the other actors who played Winatra members until becoming friends in real life.

Ben Nugroho assessed that Alex Perazon's character has a strong and complex personality. "I was very challenged to play him," he said.

Meanwhile, Kevin Julio admitted that he was touched to be able to work with Yosep Anggi Noen, who has been one of the directors he admires.

"When I was accepted to be Daniel Tumbuan, I was touched to the point of tears," said Kevin.

Dian Sastrowardoyo and Eva Celia both read the novel Laut Bercerita several years ago and have their own favorite characters. Eva admitted that from the beginning she imagined playing Anjani if the novel was adapted to the big screen.

"When I first read it, I imagined that if there was a long film, I wanted to be Anjani. My dream came true," said Eva.

Dian admitted that he idolized the figure of Kinan. "I feel happy when I was offered this role," he said.

Yunita Siregar said she learned a lot from the character of Asmara Jati, Biru Laut's younger sister.

"How to dive into the feeling of loss gently, without ever losing its power," said Yunita.

In the story, Asmara Jati becomes the pillar of the family when her father and mother do not believe that Biru Laut is lost without a trace. Years passed, her parents believed that Laut was still alive, while Asmara believed that her brother was gone.

Yosep Anggi Noen directed the actors during the 37-day shooting which took place in Semarang, Salatiga, Jakarta, and Sukabumi. He admitted that the process of making this film was full of challenges.

"In addition to presenting a story that the readers of the novel have already understood, in this film I have to present a story that the general audience can follow," said Anggi.

Pal8 Pictures director, Budi Setyarso, expressed gratitude for the support of talented actors in the production house's first feature film project.

"We hope that the film Sea of Stories can provide inspiration for many people. The spirit of friendship and brotherhood of Winatra members is what we want to convey to the audience," said Budi.

Gita Fara, who previously also produced a short film with the same title in 2017, said the long film version will present a more complete story about the journey of Biru Laut.

"We feel this story is more relevant for now. We want to emphasize the aspects of family, loss, and hope," said Gita.

The film was selected for the Work-in-Progress (WIP) program at the Hong Kong - Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) 2026 and will network with potential collaboration partners at Hong Kong Filmart on March 17-19, 2026.