Kiesha Alvaro Learns to Operate Heavy Equipment in the Horror Film 'TUMBAL PROYEK'

For the totality of her role as a project worker, Kiesha, who is now 21 years old, had to learn many new things she had never touched before. She was willing to get hands-on to learn how to use various construction tools to deepen the character of Yuda, who is portrayed infiltrating the bridge project area.

"I learned how to use a shovel, I learned basically all the tools that I had never touched at home, I touched in this film. Then I also operated heavy machinery, and that experience was very enjoyable. I operated an excavator where when I brought it, all the crew seemed ready to run because they were afraid it might get out of control or something during the shoot," she said.

In addition to physical challenges, Kiesha also had to adapt to the dialect and religious background of a character that was different from her own. She conducted intensive observation so that her performance appeared natural while portraying a young man from East Java.

"I also had quite a bit of difficulty at the beginning speaking with a Javanese accent, yes Mr. Jero. And I became a Catholic in this film. Yes, so I also learned, I was quite intense with Acha to ask questions and also to learn the Lord's Prayer with Acha because it was needed for the scene," she explained.

This film also became a unique experience for Kiesha because it does not rely on many shocking scenes or jump scares. She feels that Tumbal Proyek has a strong element of drama and thriller compared to other horror films.

"Yes, because of that, this film does not only rely on jump scares but also on its drama aspect, there is also a thriller aspect. And wow, this is also, it seems like this is my first horror film where I do not die in this film. Maybe? Maybe that's what is quite special for me," Kiesha revealed.

Kiesha is very impressed with JeroPoint's directing style, which she describes as very bold in executing tense scenes. She feels a similarity in taste with the director, especially for scenes that are sadistic or gore.

In the midst of the construction of a giant bridge connecting tworegions, a series of mysterious accidents occur, causing the loss of workers' lives. Yuda and Laras, along with their mother, infiltrate the construction company to prove the truth of the project sacrifice myth. The film is scheduled to be released in theaters starting May 13, 2026.