Korean filmmaker Lee Hwan-kyung, director of “Miracle in Cell No. 7,” has assembled an Indonesian cast led by Vino G. Bastian, Pevita Pearce, Farradina Mufti and Indra Jegel for “Gasigogi,” a father-son drama currently in production with Falcon Pictures.
The movie is about father Jiwa, who sacrifices everything to save his son Juna, who has blood cancer. Bastian is the lead, Pearce is the co-lead and Mufti is Chitra. Falcon Pictures, along with Hwantasy Entertainment, announced the casting.
Bastian stars in the Indonesian remake of “Miracle in Cell No. 7”, while Pearce is known for “5 cm” and Mufti is known for “Impetigore”. Supporting cast includes Altaaf Akavi (“Wait for Me to Succeed Later”), Indro Warkop (“The Miracle in Cell No. 7”), Dea Panendra (“The Killer Marlina in Four Acts”), Sadana Agung (“Agak Laen”), Irma Novita Rihi (“Women from Rote Island”), Luisa Adreena (“Na Willa”), Pritt Timothy (“Daddy, I Want a Story”), Verdi. Solaiman (“Raid”) and Kiki Narendra (“Ghost in a Cell”).
The working title takes its inspiration from spiny fish. The male of the species is left alone with the eggs and fights predators until his body is exhausted, at which point his meat becomes the first food of the young. Lee uses this image as a metaphor for fatherhood and the sacrifices parents make for their children.
The project marks Lee’s return to directing following the success of the Indonesian version of his previous phenomenon, and he described it as the most emotionally taxing film he has undertaken. He made “The Miracle in Cell No. 7” as a gift for his daughter. “Gasigogi” was dedicated to his son.
By filming in Indonesia, Lee wants to capitalize on the country’s strong commitment to family, faith and community. He said that the film is an original work rather than a transplant of the Korean feeling that “breathes with Indonesian lungs”.
“Just like a father gives his all to his child, I want to spend everything I have to create a precious gift for this family,” Lee said. “This gift is called ‘Gasigogi.’ The goal is simple: I want to create a film so honest and resonant that when the credits roll, the first thing the audience wants to do is call their father.”
“To be trusted with a story of this magnitude is both an incredible honor and a tremendous emotional challenge,” Bastian added. “Director Lee has crafted a raw, devastating and beautiful narrative about the hardships a father will endure for his child.”
Mufti said he was grateful to Falcon and Lee for entrusting Chitra to his care. “As a mother, this story feels very close to my heart,” she said. “It reminds me that love is not always expressed in words, but is often expressed in the things we do and the sacrifices we make for our children.”
Falcon producer Frederica added, “The unparalleled dedication of our amazing cast and crew, combined with Director Lee’s masterful storytelling, makes ‘Gasigogi’ a truly special project. We believe this film will leave a lasting, emotional legacy for Indonesian cinema and audiences around the world.”