Actors Rizky Ingkar and Bonar Manalo have revealed their experiences in embodying their characters in the film 'Gudang Merica', where they underwent intensive medical training to enhance their performances. The film, expected to hit theaters on May 21, 2026, tells the story of four medical students, blending elements of horror and comedy.
During a media visit to the Antara News Agency office, Rizky Ingkar noted that he participated in a medical workshop organized by the film's production, although he was not able to attend fully like the other actors. He stated, "I attended for one day, while my friends learned many things such as CPR and how to deal with situations in hospitals."
Details of the Experience
Rizky explained that this experience helped the actors understand the medical situations that form the backdrop of the film. He also mentioned that he observed nurses directly, including their walking styles and interactions with patients, to accurately portray the character of Nurse Ella. He emphasized that he had never met a strict nurse before, which posed a challenge for him in performing the role.
Rizky added that the character development process took about two months, involving the viewing of a range of visual references until the filming began. He confirmed that the character underwent some adjustments to fit the film's dramatic requirements, while ensuring that the performance did not become exaggerated.
Background & Context
The film 'Gudang Merica' is considered one of the cinematic works that highlight student life in medical schools, a topic that is gaining increasing attention in Indonesian cinema. The film aims to present a mix of comedy and horror, reflecting the challenges faced by students in a competitive and demanding educational environment.
Historically, Indonesian cinema has seen significant development in recent years, with films beginning to tackle bolder and more diverse themes, reflecting the social and cultural changes in the country. 'Gudang Merica' is part of this trend, as it seeks to provide a unique experience for viewers.
Impact & Consequences
The experiences of Rizky and Bonar demonstrate how thorough preparation can significantly impact the quality of artistic performance. Interacting with experts in medical fields enhances the credibility of the artistic work, attracting a broader audience. Additionally, the film may contribute to raising awareness about the medical profession and the challenges faced by those working in this field.
Moreover, the film represents an opportunity for the actors to showcase their performance skills, potentially opening new doors in their artistic careers. The integration of horror and comedy elements may attract diverse audience segments, increasing the film's chances of success at the box office.
Regional Significance
The importance of Indonesian cinema is growing in the Arab world, where it is seen as a platform for expressing different cultures. The film 'Gudang Merica' could inspire Arab filmmakers to explore new and innovative themes, enhancing cultural diversity in Arab cinema.
Amid the challenges faced by Arab cinema, the Indonesian film demonstrates how different elements can be combined to attract audiences, which could serve as an important lesson for directors and writers in the region.
As the release date for 'Gudang Merica' approaches, audiences are eager to see how these characters will come to life on the big screen and what messages the film will convey.