“The story takes place in Malang,” says producer Anggraheni. “As Sesarini’s father is originally from Malang, she wanted to utilize this opportunity to connect with her father’s hometown.”

Sesarini’s personal connection to the material extends beyond location. “Through ‘The Light of Fire,’ I wanted to explore this unspoken side of grief – the silence, the isolation, and the ways we seek outlets to cope when we feel we have no other options,” says the director.

The film’s visual concept emphasizes Yuda’s emotional journey through boxing, using contrasting color palettes to reflect his transformation. The story begins in muted tones representing grief before transitioning to warmer colors that mirror his growing determination and eventual path to acceptance.

The production team aims to position the film internationally, seeking development funding and potential sales agents at JAFF Market. Anggraheni notes that while Indonesia‘s rising film market presents opportunities for international co-productions, convincing local investors to look beyond domestic audiences remains a challenge.

“We believe there are various companies interested in co-production with Indonesian projects,” says Anggraheni. “The government support for independent filmmakers has been helpful in connecting projects with the international film industry.”