Bingkai Karya – After an exciting run as the closing film of the Jogja NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF), followed by press conferences, a gala premiere, and multiple watch along sessions with musicians, ‘Suka Duka Tawa’ continues to establish itself as a warm, intimate, and emotional family dramedy. Beyond its story, one of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its carefully curated soundtrack, a collection of songs that shape the emotional experience of watching it.
Director Aco Tenriyagelli whose roots span short films and music videos approaches music not merely as background, but as storytelling. In ‘Suka Duka Tawa,’ each track is chosen to create a deeply personal emotional space. Rather than simply supporting scenes, the music lives alongside the narrative and the audience, like a playlist you return to every day.
“I’ve always believed music has the most honest way of staying with someone,” Aco shares. “In ‘Suka Duka Tawa,’ these songs weren’t selected to exaggerate the scenes, they were chosen to live inside the story. My hope is that when the film ends, the music remains, accompanying people through quiet moments, laughter, and the process of healing.”
This vision came to life during a community screening attended by musicians across generations, who responded with warmth and support. Artists such as Bernadya, The Lantis, Rimba, The Adams, Reality Club, Mocca, .Feast, and Baskara Putra (Hindia) witnessed firsthand how music becomes an inseparable part of the film. The support grew organically, rooted in Aco’s long standing connection with music and his commitment to translating emotions into grounded visual storytelling.
“For me, the music in this film is like someone sitting beside you,” Aco continues. “Sometimes it laughs with you, sometimes it stays quiet. I wanted the songs to feel human, not instructive simply there to accompany audiences as they step into Tawa’s story, and maybe even into their own.”
The soundtrack of ‘Suka Duka Tawa’ reflects the emotional path of its main character:
- “Bunga Maaf” – The Lantis
- “Karena Ku Tahu Engkau Begitu” – Andre Hehanusa
- “Masa Sepi” – Bernadya
- “Timur” – The Adams
- “Kampiun” – Rimba & Bilal Indrajaya
Each track plays a narrative role. Andre Hehanusa’s “Karena Ku Tahu Engkau Begitu,” for example, triggered a powerful emotional response during the gala premiere, deepening nostalgia and the dynamics between characters. Another memorable moment occurred when Bernadya watched her song “Masa Sepi” unfold in an intimate scene during the musician screening.
“I honestly didn’t expect my song to be placed in that moment,” Bernadya shared. “It felt sad, but warm at the same time. The whole film made me cry in the best way.”
Meanwhile, “Timur” by The Adams marks a special return of their music to the big screen, adding another iconic layer to the film’s atmosphere.
Through this soundtrack, ‘Suka Duka Tawa’ emphasizes that music is not just supportive, it is an extension of the story itself. These songs carry themes of wounds, family, forgiveness, and growth, continuing to resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.
‘Suka Duka Tawa’ is now showing in cinemas nationwide starting January 8, 2026, presented by BION Studios and Spasi Moving Image.
About the Film ‘Suka Duka Tawa‘
‘Suka Duka Tawa’ follows the journey of Tawa, a female stand up comedian who turns her personal stories especially the wound of being abandoned by her father into material for her performances. When her father, who disappeared decades earlier, suddenly returns after 20 years, Tawa and her mother (Marissa Anita) are confronted with a complex emotional turbulence: can they forgive and accept the presence of someone who once hurt them?
The film stars Rachel Amanda, Teuku Rifnu Wikana, Marissa Anita, Bintang Emon, Gilang Bhaskara, Arif Brata, Nazira C. Noer, Abdel Achrian, and Mang Saswi bringing together talents across generations, particularly from the worlds of comedy and television.
Produced by Tersi Eva Ranti and Ajish Dibyo, ‘Suka Duka Tawa’ is directed by Aco Tenriyagelli, who delivers a fresh approach by blending humor with the deep wounds of family, supported by authentic visuals, color choices, and music.
About BION Studios
BION Studios is a business unit under Visinema Group (Visinema) focused on producing content built from fresh ideas and new perspectives. Its mission is to capture stories and trends rooted in everyday life, giving space to narratives that may not yet have been heard but hold strong potential to move audiences.
BION Studios is committed to creating works that arise from the people, for the people, allowing viewers to feel more connected to what they watch.
Read More About Music Here
