Indonesian filmmaker Angga Duwimas Sasongko set JAFF Market 2025 on fire with the first major release of his new action-fantasy feature Queen of Melaka (Ratu Melaka), showcasing his ensemble cast and giving audiences a candid look at the project’s creative evolution and world-building.
The project was first revealed by Variety magazine at the Cannes Film Market.
At JAFF Market, director Sasonko confirmed the film’s ensemble in a rapid-fire on-stage presentation, unveiling stylized character boards for current Punk star stars Claresta Taufan, Faris Fajjar, Lutesha, Ganindra Bimo, Dion Wiyoko, Jihane Almira, Ulan Gritno, as well as producer Cori Adiannin and veteran Hong Kong stunt coordinator Chan. Mr. Manchin’s arrival was met with loud applause.
Sasonko positioned Queen of Malacca as a fantasy world inspired by contemporary Southeast Asia, with its own mythology, language, and cultural logic. “This is not a historical drama. It’s modern and contemporary. We’ve built a fantasy world inspired by Southeast Asia, its belief systems and philosophies, as well as its writings and family heirlooms,” he said.
He also outlined the film’s hybrid action language. “We are combining the influences of silat, which is deeply rooted in Indonesian cinema, and Hong Kong action films,” he said. To achieve that combination, he paired Chan and his Hong Kong team with Indonesia’s up-and-coming choreographer and actor Reza Hillman.
Chan, who described Sasonko as someone who has worked “from Hong Kong to mainland China to Hollywood, including many years with Jackie Chan,” told the audience, “I want to create a new style. I want to combine different people and different characters. There is something new in this film.”
The cast spoke about the physical intensity of the project. Jihane Almira said the role allowed her to break away from her traditionally elegant public image, saying, “I am completely different from who I am on social media. I finally have the opportunity to express another side of myself.”
Dion Wiyoko, who returned to active duty for the first time in 16 years, said, “Every day was a new challenge. Training with Man Ching required complete concentration, so my body was already in good condition by the time we filmed it.”
Faris Fajjar, who appeared as a child actor in Sasonko’s “Wilo Sabren,” added, “This is a big chance for me to show who I am instead of hiding in everyone else’s shadow.”
Sasonko emphasized that the design of each performer’s actions is built on their individual physical vocabulary. “Manchin and Reza evaluated the physical ability and movement of every actor. What the audience sees is each character’s highest potential,” he said.
To conclude the presentation, Mr. Sasonko screened “Test Release.” This is a one-day camera and texture test that does not include footage that will appear in the final film. “If this is only 20%, imagine what the whole movie would be like,” he teased.
Mr. Sasonko heads the Indonesian studio “Visinema”. After spending two years focused on leading Bicinema’s corporate transformation and directing “Jumbo,” Indonesia’s most successful animated film to date, Sasonko returns to the director’s chair.
Produced by Vicinema, “Queen of Malacca” is one of Sasonko’s most ambitious genre works, following “Wilo Sabren,” “13 Bombs,” and “Heartbreak Motel.” JAFF Market 2025 served as the film’s most detailed public release to date.
Principal photography will begin on December 3rd.
