Bernardus Raka and Toyota Astra Motor Collaborate to Tell a Moving Story in Short Film Cerita Seperjalanan
Jakarta, October 21, 2026 — Fear and anxiety are not always easy to express, even to those closest to us. In the short film Cerita Seperjalanan, director Bernardus Raka explores these struggles through a story about relationships, communication, and the importance of having a support system. In collaboration with Toyota Astra Motor, the film premiered at Jakarta Film Week 2026 on October 21.
Cerita Seperjalanan follows Rava (Wafda Saifan) and Yara (Amanda Rawles), a couple preparing for their engagement. However, their long-awaited plans begin to encounter obstacles when Rava appears reluctant to make the necessary preparations. Yara gradually grows suspicious, while Rava keeps something to himself that he has yet to find the courage to share. The car’s cabin becomes an intimate space where the two can talk openly and express what they have been holding back.
Through their conflict, the film explores how fear can affect relationships, particularly when someone struggles to communicate their feelings to the people closest to them.
The film was produced within a relatively short timeframe. Pre-production took place between June and July 2026, followed by filming in August. With a runtime of 20 minutes, the creative team faced the challenge of building complex characters and conveying emotions through scenes that do not always rely on dialogue.
Amanda Rawles shared that the script-reading session, initially scheduled for one meeting, was extended by mutual agreement between her and Wafda Saifan to help them develop their characters more deeply.
“During the preparation for this film, we were actually a little worried because it was quite challenging to figure out how to create complex characters within a 20-minute runtime and with such a short preparation period. Some scenes have very little dialogue, but the emotions still need to come through. Raka and Wafda were incredibly helpful throughout the filming process, making everything feel easier to execute,” Amanda said.
For Wafda, the character of Rava also resonated with his personal experiences, reminding him of his own journey when he was starting his career. This personal connection was one of the reasons he decided to be part of the film.
The collaboration with Toyota Astra Motor also supported the creative process behind Cerita Seperjalanan. Recognizing the rapid growth of Indonesia’s film industry, the company saw an opportunity to support the country’s creative sector and local artists. Elias Marendra, the film’s Creative Director, appreciated the creative freedom Toyota Astra Motor gave the team to develop the story while ensuring the film remained relevant.
“Coming from an advertising background, I’m used to brands placing commercial demands on creative teams. I’m very grateful that Toyota Astra Motor gave us so much room to develop the story. When I asked for their feedback, they turned the question around and asked, ‘What’s best for the movie?’ As a result, the film could represent the brand while still delivering a story that feels relevant,” Elias said.
The premiere of Cerita Seperjalanan at Jakarta Film Week 2026 was attended by 87 viewers. Ferdy, one of the audience members, shared his response to the film:
“I watched this short film because Bernardus Raka directed it. As someone who enjoyed Nobody Loves Kay, I was curious to see another one of his works. Honestly, despite its short runtime, Cerita Seperjalanan managed to convey complex emotions that feel close to everyday life. Wafda and Amanda’s performances also felt natural, and the emotions really came through. Definitely looking forward to watching it again on YouTube!”
Through Rava and Yara’s story, Cerita Seperjalanan reminds us that facing our fears does not have to be a journey we take alone. Sometimes, finding the courage to speak and being willing to listen to one another are the first steps toward navigating uncertainty together.
Writer: Khoirulia Ferdiani (Ulif) dan Arga Arifwangsa