Unique Way Director Razka Robby Ertanto Approaches Sumba Children for Filming 'YOHANNA'

Kapanlagi.com - The film YOHANNA not only presents a strong story but also an interesting production process behind the scenes. Director Razka Robby Ertanto chose to involve native Sumba children as an important part of this film.

This decision was not without reason. Robby wanted to bring honesty to the acting that is difficult to achieve from professional actors. However, on the other hand, this posed a challenge since most of them had never been involved in the film shooting process.

To address this, Robby took a long approach before the shooting process began. He even spent months building a rapport with the children so they would feel comfortable in front of the camera.

"So for 6 months, I went back and forth to Sumba and tried to introduce the camera to them so that when it was time for the take, they wouldn’t look at the camera," Razka revealed when met in South Jakarta on Monday (6/4).

1. A Relaxed Approach

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Not just a technical exercise, the approach taken is also made relaxed and enjoyable. Robby tries to create a non-stiff atmosphere so that the children can adapt naturally.

"Slowly we try to bring it relaxed one by one, for example," he said.

2. Getting Used to Being in Front of the Camera

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This method has proven effective. Instead of forcing them to understand acting techniques, Robby actually lets them get used to the presence of the camera in their daily lives.

"The camera is always on, so they don’t feel stiff anymore when there’s a camera, they eventually get used to it themselves," he said.

3. Feeling Enjoyed

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In addition, he also invites the children to engage in various activities together, from playing to walking around the location. This approach is taken to build trust and emotional closeness.

"And we also bring it with enjoyment, the sessions are like going on vacation to the beaches, then taking them around here and there," he explained.

4. Ten Days of Shooting

Credit: Summerland/Reason8 Films/Pilgrim Film

In this way, the brief shooting process can still run optimally. It is known that the entire filming process for this movie was completed in just 10 days.

5. Natural Approach

Credit: Summerland/Reason8 Films/Pilgrim Film

The natural approach was also applied during filming in public spaces, such as markets. Robby chose not to restrict the activities of the locals so that the captured atmosphere remained authentic.

"Well, we didn't block off the Sumba market either, we let everything flow. The more real it is, the more you can feel it," he said.

6. A Lively Atmosphere

Credit: Summerland/Reason8 Films/Pilgrim Film

As a result, this film is able to present an atmosphere that feels alive and close to the realities of the local community. The children of Sumba involved also became an important part in building the emotional narrative.

7. Showing April 9, 2026

Credit: Summerland/Reason8 Films/Pilgrim Film

YOHANNA is scheduled to be released in theaters starting April 9, 2026. This film tells the story of a young nun in Sumba who faces various social challenges, with a production approach that emphasizes honesty and authenticity.

(kpl/pur/ums)