Indonesian Film 'Levitating' Receives Standing Ovation at Sundance 2026

January 27, 2026 | 01:33 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The latest film by Wregas Bhanuteja, Levitating (Indonesian title:Para Perasuk), produced by Rekata Studio, received a standing ovation from audiences following its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival 2026.

The premiere, held on January 24 in the United States, marks the beginning of the film’s international journey, ahead of its upcoming release in Indonesian cinemas.

Starring Indonesian actors Angga Yunanda, Maudy Ayunda, Bryan Domani, Chicco Kurniawan, and international singer Anggun, Levitating competed in the prestigious World Cinema Dramatic Competition program. Its selection makes it the first Indonesian film in 13 years to participate in this section of the festival.

Producer Iman Usman expressed optimism that the film would reach broader international audiences, noting the excitement of premiering at Sundance and hoping it resonates with viewers worldwide.

Wregas Bhanuteja’s Vision in Levitating

The film follows Bayu, a young man determined to become a medium for spirits, while external forces threaten his village.

Bhanuteja uses the story to explore possession as a shared communal experience, portraying rituals as moments for the community to break from daily routines, release pressures, and reconnect with one another.

The film’s premiere not only garnered a warm reception from festival audiences but also attracted positive attention from critics. Bhanuteja acknowledged the appreciation from international viewers and expressed hope that Indonesian audiences would respond just as positively.

"I am very grateful that our latest work has been well received by international audiences, including at Sundance, and hopefully it will also be well received by Indonesian audiences," saidBhanuteja.

International media such as Screen Daily praised the film, highlighting Anggun’s performance and noting that the story, blending quasi-coming-of-age energy with artistic intelligence, offered both insight and enlightenment.

A Spotlight on Sundance Film Festival 2026

The Sundance Film Festival, established in 1978, is the largest independent film festival in the world and a key platform for international cinema.

The 2026 edition ran from January 22 to February 1, with Levitating chosen from a record 16,201 submissions, including 2,579 international features from 164 countries. The film competed against nine other titles in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition.

Bhanuteja is no stranger to Sundance; his short film No One is Crazy in This Town (Indonesian title: Tak Ada yang Gila di Kota Ini) previously competed in the International Narrative Short Films program in 2020.

Read: Pangku Named Tempo's Film of Choice for 2025

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