Honda’s Hari Raya promotional short film stars some well-known faces in the arts industry, including Indonesia’s Nicholas Saputra. He tells us what he’s been up to since his leap to stardom in Ada Apa Dengan Cinta?
BY now, viewers would have caught the special Hari Raya Honda festive message on Diva Universal (Astro Channel 702) that features Indonesian heartthrob Nicholas Saputra, Sam (Shamsul Annuar) the lead vocalist from popular local band Bunkface, as well as actresses Tiz Zaqyah and Fatimah Abu Bakar.
Directed by Nik Amir Mustapha, the clip that began airing two days ago, captures the spirit of kindness and the joys of friendship within a community. The Hari Raya spot is produced by DIVA Universal and Liquid Thread of Starcomm MediaVest for Honda Malaysia.
“With Hari Raya being one of the biggest ‘events’ in Malaysia, we could not miss the opportunity to collaborate with Diva and Astro . We believe in the power of dreams and Diva is ideal to deliver our message of dreams, friendship and community during this time,” says Yoichiro Ueno, Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
Nicholas, 28, hails from Jakarta. The versatile actor, traveller and model has had roles in Ada Apa Dengan Cinta? Janji Joni, Tiga Hari Untuk Selamanya and Gie. His most recent film, Postcards From The Zoo, was nominated for the Golden Berlin Bear award at 2012 Berlin International Film Festival and at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Here, he talks to us about his role and experience during the filming of the short.
What was it like working on this Hari Raya promotional production?
Nicholas: It was very exciting because this is my first Hari Raya promo. Malaysia and Indonesia share a similar culture and the film reflects this.
Tell us a little bit about your role
I play Nico who is working in Malaysia and misses the flight home for Hari Raya. His colleague Ali, played by Sam, invites Nico to celebrate Hari Raya with his family in the kampung. Ali drives Nico back to his hometown in a Honda Freed. Nico may be missing his family, but through Sam, he finds a home that is filled with joy in Malaysia.
When did you start acting ?
I started my acting career when I was still in high school. I was featured in a magazine and the producer of Ada Apa Dengan Cinta? saw the pictures and asked me to audition and I got the role of Rangga.
What inspires your acting?
When I was a child, I loved watching movies. My parents encouraged me to see more films. So when I got the chance to do the audition, it was really exciting. I got to know what happens behind the scenes and the whole process of making a film.
Your last feature film was Postcards From The Zoo. What have you worked on after that?
After Postcards From The Zoo, I worked on What They Don’t Talk About When They Talk About Love. Shooting finished last month and hopefully it will be released early next year. It’s directed by Mouly Surya, a female Indonesian filmmaker.
Can you share with us a little about the movie?
The story is set in a school for blind, deaf and mute children. It’s a very interesting premise because it tells how one communicates when you can’t see or hear the other person ... and looks at how love blossoms in such situations.
What role are you playing in that movie?
I play a deaf and mute.
You are still very much identified with Rangga in Ada Apa Dengan Cinta? How do you feel about that?
I think it is fine if they still associate me with Rangga because it was such a memorable role . But I have grown up and if fans were to watch my other movies, maybe they will prefer my other characters. — Diva Universal
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