Teknowarta – Acclaimed actress Laura Basuki once again showcases her stellar dedication to the performing arts through her latest film, Yohanna. In this compelling feature, Laura was tasked with mastering an array of demanding new skills, ranging from strumming a guitar to expertly driving a pick-up truck across the challenging terrain of Sumba Island.
Directed by Robby Ertanto, the film has already garnered international recognition, proudly securing an award at the Riviera International Film Festival in Italy. Yet, behind this global appreciation lies the profound story of Laura Basuki’s personal struggle, as she pushed far beyond her comfort zone to embody the complex character of a nun.
In Yohanna, Laura Basuki portrays a young nun embarking on a noble mission to Sumba: distributing humanitarian aid. Driven by sincere intentions, she borrows a truck to transport donations to the communities in need. However, her mission takes a drastic turn into a crisis when the truck, laden with essential supplies, is stolen. Yohanna is compelled to take matters into her own hands, venturing into the field to reclaim it.
During her intense search, she confronts the harsh social realities and systemic injustices prevalent in the region. Yohanna encounters children trapped in dangerous labor, struggling simply to survive. This harrowing experience shakes her faith and identity as a nun, initiating a profound internal journey to uncover the true meaning of belief, sacrifice, and humanity.
Adrenaline on the Edge of a Cliff
True to the film’s storyline, which depicts Yohanna’s urgent search for the stolen truck, Laura Basuki had to perform adrenaline-pumping scenes. She personally drove a pick-up truck along Sumba’s winding roads, often precariously close to sheer cliffs. “Driving the pick-up truck was incredibly exciting because if it weren’t for this film, when else would I get to drive in beautiful Sumba, even if the roads had cliffs on the side? It was such an adrenaline rush,” Laura Basuki shared during an interview in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Friday, April 3, 2026.
Such was the tension that Laura even prompted her co-star to be vigilant. “I told Iku (her co-star) sitting next to me, ‘Iku, please wear your seatbelt, just in case.’ But it turned out to be really thrilling,” she added with a laugh.
Beyond her intensive driving lessons, Laura also dedicated time to learning the guitar, a skill essential for deepening the religious dimension of her character.
Yohanna’s on-screen encounters with suffering children in Sumba resonated deeply with Laura during the filming process. For her, the film served as an eye-opener to an often-unexposed facet of Indonesia. “It opened my eyes to the realities in Sumba. How some children there are forced to work, missing out on school, getting involved in horse jockeying, and all sorts of things. I witnessed things I had never seen before,” stated the recipient of the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Director Robby Ertanto explained that Laura Basuki’s selection was driven by the necessity for an exceptionally efficient actor. As an independent film, the production schedule was remarkably tight, spanning only 10 days. “We needed a truly high-caliber actor because our shoot was only 10 days long. After careful consideration, only Laura Basuki could portray all the emotional ups and downs of Yohanna’s character,” Robby revealed.
Despite addressing themes intertwined with the Catholic faith, Laura emphasized that the film’s core message is universally applicable. It speaks to an individual’s journey of rediscovering their life’s purpose by witnessing the honesty and sincerity in those around them.
Following its successful journey through international film festivals from Rotterdam to Italy, the film Yohanna is set to premiere in Indonesian cinemas starting April 9, 2026.
Summary
Actress Laura Basuki demonstrates total dedication in her latest film,