Reza Rahadian is back for an exclusive photo shoot with Dior and a chat about his latest projects, newest challenges and everything in between
Actor Reza Rahadian has come a long way since making his silver screen debut in 2007. He has played various iconic roles, won numerous awards and witnessed many of his movies make it big in the box office. In short, he has moved forward by leaps and bounds since he embarked on this journey in showbiz.
And now, Reza is back for his fourth appearance in DA MAN, this time in a special collaboration with Dior. We sat down with the Indonesian actor to talk about his latest movie, which he found very challenging, the decision to leave his role as the chairperson of Festival Film Indonesia and the things he truly wants to achieve.
DAMAN: It’s nice to see you again, Reza! Can we start with your recent “Berbalas Kejam” movie? In a nutshell, what was it like working on that one?
Reza Rahadian: This is the project I’ve been waiting for in terms of the character I get to play. I’ve been waiting for that character, Adam, for quite a while. It was a tremendous and magnificent experience to delve into and live out the character, then dig deeper into his emotional journey. I believe that if you have a character-driven movie, playing the role and acting in character is always very pleasurable for the actor. And that’s my take on playing Adam in this movie.
DA: What was your reaction when you read the script of “Berbalas Kejam” for the first time?
RR: My first take on the script was that it’s a human being that I’m playing. With many conflicts, emotional range so vast, and yet so human, very contemplative in a way, I thought, this is what I must do. Like I want to do it. There’s no doubt about it. Plus, to be able to work with the director Teddy Soeriaatmadja again after all this time. So, I told him, I’m in, let’s do it, and I believe it will also be an amazing journey.
“That might be the ultimate goal: a balance between spirituality and my well-being and mentality”
DA: You’re essentially acting as a broken man who’s been living in fear and trauma. How did you prepare for the role?
RR: My preparation is actually focused on seeing Adam from the perspective of the five stages of grief. That’s my main approach, because all those stages are inherent in Adam’s character. As for my own mentality, I just tell myself to be ready because I might get a little bit depressed. Fortunately, the depression wasn’t too overwhelming. However, it did leave me mentally drained once shooting ended.
DA: They say you learn something as an actor or about yourself with every role. What was it that you took with you from your experience in “Berbalas Kejam”?
RR: Don’t take your life for granted; embrace it. I know that sometimes we all go through tough times, but still, don’t take it for granted. At the end of the day, what I learned from playing Adam, I think, is self-acceptance; knowing yourself is a very, very important foundationin being human. That’s why the term is “human being,” not a “human doing.” The role made me realize the significance of our life’s journey in discovering ourselves, appreciating and valuing who we truly are.
DA: Every actor has his way of getting back to himself after exploring or playing a role or character. How about you?
RR: The best way for me to detach from the character I play is to return to my roots. And by that, I mean family, friends or your inner circle. They are the ones who actually make you realize who you are. That’s how I do it. I return to my family and friends, hang out and do s–t [Laughs]. Then I know I’m back as Reza Rahadian. That’s how I live my life and how I interact. I think, for me, that’s more than enough.
DA: Can you share any of your upcoming projects with us?
RR: My next project is a movie called “24 Hour with Gaspar,” directed by Yosep Anggi Noen. Andthen “Pasutri Gaje.” It’s a comebackmovie for me and Bunga Citra Lestari after so many years
DA: We learned that this will be your last year as the chairperson of the Indonesian Film Festival (FFI). What were some of the key takeaways from your time holding this position?
RR: Yes, this will be my last year as the chairperson of FFI. First of all, it has been a long journey. I first attended FFI as a guest in 2009. Later, in 2014, I was honored to become an ambassador for FFI alongside Christine Hakim. In 2016, I became the head of the event for the first time, where I managed the award nights. Then, in 2021, I was entrusted with the role of committee chairperson of FFI. I’ve always been aware of what I have to do on this committee. First, my focus is on the governance of FFI. The most important aspect here is to tidy things up in a structured way in order to ensure good governance. Then comes transparent budget management and the judging system. Another major improvement is in how FFI acts as a platform for the Indonesian film ecosystem.
DA: What areas required the most improvement? And what were the biggest challenges you saw?
RR: The biggest challenge is managing it all and ensuring smooth interactions with the various associations involved with FFI. We strive to be active players in the film community while also negotiating with the government, as FFI falls under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. Thankfully, our request to start earlier in the year was approved, so we can begin the process from the beginning of the year. This has been a significant improvement from the previous timeline of only six months. Currently, we have implemented several structural changes that we take great pride in. However, the satisfaction factor is never-ending and I hope the next chairperson will be able to evaluate what’s lacking in my committee and improve on that. And if something is already good enough, it can be continued.
DA: We also noticed you’re involved with YAPPIKA-ActionAid as a goodwill ambassador. Can you tell us more about your experiences with them?
RR: It’s been almost eight years since I became the NGO’s goodwill ambassador and I initially focused on education. However, that focus has shifted somewhat towards the health sector, with a major emphasis on maternal and child health as well as addressing stunting issues. But the main program is about safe schools and repairing damaged infrastructure.
What I find interesting is our advocacy process with local governments. We actively engage in negotiations and discussions to direct policymaking towards supporting and improving existing programs. Starting from assessing budget absorption, the progress of school repairs and other vital aspects. So, in my opinion, these activities have a positive impact, not just in terms fundraising, but really entering the area of public policy.
“I believe that if you have a character-driven movie, playing the role and acting in character is always very pleasurable for the actor.”
DA: On top of all that, you also became a guest lecturer at a university in Jakarta. Tell us more about that…
RR: To be honest, after I did several sharing sessions with a couple of universities in Jakarta, I felt happy to take part in the “Praktisi Mengajar” program, and I hope to continue contributing to the students’ education by sharing my experiences. Moreover, this also has an impact on me as an actor. An actor lives from observation and that’s what I get from things like this. The two-way discussions with them gave me a lot of new insight.
DA: And what do you want to achieve next?
RR: This is the hardest question. How will I answer this? One thing that I want to achieve next, or actually today, is balance. That might be the ultimate goal: a balance between spirituality and my well-being and mentality. I have been an actor for almost 20 years, facing all kinds of pressure, ups and downs. Criticism and praise have not made it easier to find that balance point. It is a search that never stops. But maybe I’m getting closer now, as I’ve been fortunate enough to contribute to all the things we’ve talked about. Still, it is time for me to take care of myself, think about my well-being and be a human being.
PHOTOGRAPHY IKMAL AWFAR
STYLING ALLYSHA NILA
STYLING ASSISTANCES BAGOES ABYOSO, ISABELLA HARAHAP, LARISSA ATMAWATI, SIFRAH FIRGAD HEWIS
LIGHTING ASSISTANCE MANDRA
GROOMING AKTRIS HANDRADJASA
DIGITAL IMAGING ARTIST SATRIYA WILDAN
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