Indonesian animated hit "Jumbo" arrives in Malaysian cinemas

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Indonesian animated hit "Jumbo" arrives in Malaysian cinemas

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Writer: Nisa Irina

Indonesian storytelling magic comes to Malaysia

30 Jun - After captivating over 10 million viewers in Indonesia, the musical animated film "Jumbo" is set to charm Malaysian audiences when it opens in cinemas nationwide on 26 June.

Produced by Visinema Studios with support from Komet Productions and Skop Productions, the film is directed by Ryan Andriandhy. The project began in 2019 and took five years to complete, involving 400 local Indonesian professionals.

"The approach to producing this film is like producing a live-action film. We took eight months to write the script during the pandemic, before choosing the voice actors," Ryan explained at the gala premiere at GSC in The Starling Mall, Petaling Jaya recently. "Audiences in Indonesia really like to see something close to themselves, so the time to prepare this film, including the 'rendering' process, was very time-consuming."

Ryan Andriandhy with voice actor Prince Poetiray

"Jumbo" made history as Indonesia's best-selling film, surpassing the 2022 horror hit "KKN di Desa Penari." The achievement surprised even its creators.

"We did not think that 'Jumbo' would be able to surpass 'KKN di Desa Penari', since our main goal in producing the film was to unite audiences in cinemas," Ryan said. "From the beginning, we planned to produce a film that had a deep message, was entertaining and brought families together to watch in cinemas. So we are very moved and grateful to see the great response from the audience in Indonesia."

The film has also achieved another milestone as the first Indonesian animated film to receive global release across 17 countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

Producer Novia Puspa Sari expressed excitement about the Malaysian release, emphasising the film's universal appeal. She said, "At Visinema Studios, we believe that touching family stories can unite communities. From the beginning, we have not only made films, but we have created a safe space where families can laugh, cry and reconnect with each other and with their 'inner child'."

Producer Novia Puspa Sari looks forward to the film's Malaysian release

Datuk Yusof Haslam believes that "Jumbo" will be well received here

"We are proud to share 'Jumbo' with audiences in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. Its success in Indonesia and the warm reception here reminds us of the universal language of storytelling. A story told with sincerity and honesty can cross borders, build bridges, and make us feel appreciated. Hopefully this film ignites a sense of joy and encourages continued cultural exchange between two countries," Novia enthused.

Local film distributor and Skop Productions founder Datuk Yusof Haslam is optimistic about the film's Malaysian prospects. "The film 'Jumbo' has a feel, has family values and is close to our culture. If we don't try, we won't know. Even back then, many didn't think the film 'Ejen Ali' could explode," he said.

"Jumbo" follows Don, a young boy often overlooked by others and labelled the "big kid who always loses." But Don is determined to prove that he is more than just a stereotype. When he decides to enter a talent show with a stage play inspired by a treasured fairytale book left behind by his late parents, his journey begins - not just to the stage, but into a magical world he never imagined. He sets off on a breathtaking adventure filled with wonder, unexpected challenges and life-changing discoveries.

The film features Indonesian voice talents Prince Poetiray as Don, alongside Quinn Salman, Bunga Citra Lestari, Ariel Noah, Angga Yunanda, Yusuf Ozkan and Cinta Laura Kiehl.