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Bayu Skak Explores Madurese Family and Alien Encounter in New Sci-Fi Film

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Indonesian director Bayu Skak is releasing a new sci-fi comedy film titled 'Foufo,' blending Madurese culture with extraterrestrial themes.
  • The film, starring Tretan Muslim, follows a family's encounter with an alien while the father strives to fund his mother's pilgrimage to Mecca.
  • 'Foufo' aims to explore themes of familial love and features the Madurese language prominently, with a unique alien character designed by a Surabaya animation studio.

Director and comedian Bayu Skak is venturing beyond his usual comedic and horror-comedy genres with his latest film, 'Foufo.' This new project is a science-fiction comedy that uniquely integrates Madurese culture with an alien encounter narrative. Produced by Skak Studios and Sinemart, the film is set to premiere in Indonesian cinemas on July 9, 2026.

Everyone has the experience and feeling of loving our mothers and the desire to make happy the person we love most in this world, our mother. That feeling is what we want to present in this film.

— Bayu SkakThe director explained the central theme of familial love in his new film 'Foufo.'

The official trailer and poster reveal a story centered on an unusual friendship between a Madurese family and an alien. Tretan Muslim plays Muslim, a scrap metal collector and the family's breadwinner, who dreams of sending his mother, Saiqonah, on the Hajj pilgrimage. Their lives take an extraordinary turn when a spacecraft crashes in Madura, bringing an alien they name Foufo, who needs the family's help to return home.

Bayu Skak explained that the film's core theme is the deep affection a child has for their mother. "Everyone has the experience and feeling of loving our mothers and the desire to make happy the person we love most in this world, our mother. That feeling is what we want to present in this film," he stated. This film also marks Tretan Muslim's debut as a leading man, showcasing a more serious and emotional side than his typical comedic roles.

This is the first time I've been the main actor. Moreover, the audience will see another side of me that has never been seen before. I am proud that the Madurese identity is displayed well and uniquely by Bayu in this film.

— Tretan MuslimTretan Muslim, who plays the lead role, expressed his excitement about his debut and the film's portrayal of Madurese culture.

'Foufo' also introduces several innovations to Indonesian cinema, including its primary use of the Madurese language and the involvement of many actors of Madurese descent, some of whom are not professional actors. The alien character, Foufo, was designed by Surabaya-based animation studio Hompimpa, with voice acting provided by veteran Ade "Bibier" Kurniyawan. Executive producer David Suwarto highlighted the premise of a UFO landing in Madura as a key attraction, noting the film's blend of comedy, sci-fi, and touching drama about a child's love for their mother.

The idea of a UFO crash landing in Madura is already very funny. This film brings comedy with a sci-fi touch, but also has touching drama about a child's love for their mother.

— David SuwartoExecutive producer David Suwarto discussed the film's unique premise and its blend of genres.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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