Preparations continue for the Turkey-Indonesia co-production 'Red Spice'

The preparation and development process is underway for "Red Spice – Orphans of the Sea" (Kızıl Baharat – Denizin Yetimleri), an international historical drama project that brings together filmmakers from Turkey and Indonesia. Focusing on the relations between the Ottoman era and the Nusantara region, the production aims to be one of the prominent co-production initiatives in the field of cinema between the two countries.

Planned to be approximately 120 minutes long, the film is designed as an epic narrative supported by period atmosphere, on-location filming, sea scenes, and visual effects. At the heart of the production will be spice trade routes, the activities of colonial powers in the region, the independence struggle of local peoples, and the solidarity between the Ottoman world and regional sultanates, particularly the Aceh Sultanate.

SHARED HISTORY TO BE BROUGHT TO CINEMA

According to the production team, the film aims not only to convey historical events but also to bring universal themes such as justice, freedom, brotherhood, solidarity, and independence to an international audience. The project also aligns with the cultural cooperation agenda that has recently strengthened between Turkey and Indonesia.

The film is produced by İskender Bingöl, Savaş Uğurlu, and Indonesian filmmaker-politician Rano Karno. The direction and screenplay belong to İskender Bingöl. Ali Korkmaz serves as the executive producer, Tri Ratnaningsih as the art director, and Memin Karataş as the graphic design director for the project.

“We want to carry the friendship that has lasted for centuries between Turkey and Indonesia to world cinema with a strong, human, and universal story.”

Bingöl stated that the film will not only progress along the axis of war and adventure, but that the main emphasis will be on shared memory and cultural heritage. Savaş Uğurlu also expressed that they view the project with the goal of establishing a permanent cooperation model between the cinema sectors of the two countries.

CASTING NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUE

In addition to well-known names from Turkey and Indonesia, international actors are also planned to be included in the cast of "Red Spice – Orphans of the Sea." The production team's role-based evaluation list includes names such as Uğur Güneş, Yayan Ruhian, Marcella Zalianty, Ario Bayu, and Maudy Koesnaedi.

It was reported that Enes Bingöl and Elif Tayhan are among the confirmed names for the characters of Hasan and Isabella/Leyla. It was also stated that actors such as Ekrem Emir Kaltar, Özge Törer, Jourdy Pranata, Ganindra Bimo, Aghniny Haque, Hana Malasan, Teuku Rifnu Wikana, Serhat Tutumluer, and Selim Bayraktar are also on the agenda for casting planning.

Negotiations regarding casting, determination of filming locations, financing, distribution, and international production partnerships are ongoing. Technical pre-preparations are targeted to be accelerated in the last quarter of 2026. The production plans to work with historians, academics, costume designers, and period consultants.

Following the completion of the film, it is aimed to have its world premiere on an international platform, be screened at prestigious film festivals, and reach audiences in Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific markets, as well as in Turkey and Indonesia.

News Source: 12punto