This February 2026, audiences across Indonesia will get more than just entertainment on the big screen, they’ll be invited into the heart of Papua’s forests, cultures, and dreams. “Teman Tegar, Maira, Whisper from Papua”, a new musical adventure film directed by Anggi Frisca, is set to premiere in cinemas nationwide on 5 February 2026, carrying a powerful message about nature, friendship, and cultural pride.
At its gala premiere on 28 January 2026, in Jakarta, Director Anggi Frisca emphasized that the film isn’t just a cinematic project, it’s a cultural dialogue. A story that highlights ecological wisdom, community resilience, and shared humanity.
A Story Rooted in Papua’s Soul
Unlike many mainstream films, Maira isn’t a story made about Papua, it’s a story from Papua. Shot deep in the interior of the region with the full involvement of local Indigenous communities, tribal chiefs, and Papuan artists, the film reflects authentic voices and perspectives rarely seen in Indonesian cinema.
The narrative follows a young girl named Maira, a 12 year old Papuan whose life is deeply intertwined with the lush forest landscapes she calls home. When she meets Tegar, an 11 year old boy from the city, their friendship becomes the heart of a journey that teaches courage, resilience, and respect for the natural world.
An Environmental Message
At its core, the film weaves together adventure, music, and environmental awareness. Through Tegar and Maira’s shared trials, the story brings to life the urgency of protecting forests, not just as backdrops for adventure, but as living ecosystems that sustain communities and culture.
Director Anggi Frisca explains that the project sprang from a deep concern about climate change, disasters, and humanity’s connection to nature. She stresses that when disaster strikes, it isn’t wealth that saves us, it’s the strength and wisdom of nature itself. With that philosophy, the film aims to nurture environmental awareness in a generation growing up amid global ecological challenges.
Music and Culture as Universal Language
One of the film’s most unique features is its musical storytelling. Papuan actress and singer Joanita Chatarine, who plays Maira, also led the film’s musical development, bringing together local rhythms and cinematic orchestration. This fusion makes the soundtrack an emotional bridge between traditions and audiences of all ages.
The film blends folklore, stunning natural landscapes, and Indigenous values into a narrative that resonates with national and international audiences alike. It challenges viewers to rethink their relationship with the environment and to see heritage not as a relic of the past, but as a foundation for future action.
A Film For Today’s Inspiration
Shot collaboratively with local communities and featuring a crew with strong Papuan participation, Teman Tegar, Maira, Whisper from Papua embodies a shift in Indonesian storytelling. It’s a film with purpose, one that teaches, inspires, and invites audiences to listen to the whispers of the forests and the voices of the children who protect them. This February, when the film reaches theaters, it promises more than a viewing experience, it promises an invitation: to explore, to care, and to reflect on how we relate to the world around us.
West Papua Now 