Riri Riza

Directing

Riri Riza

Born 1970-10-02 · Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Riri Riza (born October 2, 1970) is an Indonesian director, screenwriter, and film producer known as one of the most influential filmmakers in Indonesian cinema. He studied at the Jakarta Institute of the Arts (IKJ) and later continued his studies at Royal Holloway, University of London. Riri’s career began to shine after directing Kuldesak (1998), an independent film considered a turning point for the revival of Indonesian cinema. His name became more widely recognized through films such as Eliana, Eliana (2002), Gie (2005), and Laskar Pelangi (2008), which became one of Indonesia’s highest-grossing films. He also directed other films such as Sokola Rimba (2013), Athirah (2016), and Paranoia (2021). In addition to directing, Riri is also active as a producer alongside Mira Lesmana through the production house Miles Films. Their collaboration has resulted in many high-quality films that have received both national and international recognition. Riri Riza is known for his strong storytelling and visual directing style, as well as his ability to highlight social and cultural issues in his films. With his dedication, he continues to contribute to the development of Indonesian cinema.

Acting credits

Behind the camera

CUBS poster
NR

CUBS is set in a corrupt gold-mining town and delves into the complex moral struggles of a young boy.

CUBS

CUBS poster
NR

CUBS is set in a corrupt gold-mining town and delves into the complex moral struggles of a young boy.

CUBS

Glorious Days poster
8.0

Because of an incident when they were in high school, members of the Bebas Gang were forced to separate. 23 years later, one of them is seriously ill and hopes to meet again one last time.

Glorious Days

2019

Warisan poster
NR

When we pass, what do we leave behind?

Warisan

2021

Emma' poster
7.4

In 1950s Makassar, the life of a devoted mother is upended when another woman enters her husband's life.

Emma'

2016

Emma' poster
7.4

In 1950s Makassar, the life of a devoted mother is upended when another woman enters her husband's life.

Emma'

2016

Kuldesak poster
6.5

Four stories unfold in Jakarta, a big city that feels cold and dehumanizing. Life there strips away meaning, turning people into soulless zombies. In their search for purpose, youths turn to the only things that seem worthwhile—television and movies. This obsession pushes them down a dark path, transforming them into twisted versions of anti-heroes who make anti-social choices that spiral out of control.

Kuldesak

1998

Kuldesak poster
6.5

Four stories unfold in Jakarta, a big city that feels cold and dehumanizing. Life there strips away meaning, turning people into soulless zombies. In their search for purpose, youths turn to the only things that seem worthwhile—television and movies. This obsession pushes them down a dark path, transforming them into twisted versions of anti-heroes who make anti-social choices that spiral out of control.

Kuldesak

1998

The Dreamer poster
6.6

A trio of friends struggles to make it through adolescence, all while hoping that bigger and better things await them.

The Dreamer

2009

The Dreamer poster
6.6

A trio of friends struggles to make it through adolescence, all while hoping that bigger and better things await them.

The Dreamer

2009

What's Up with Cinta? poster
7.5

A popular high school girl strains her relationship with her close-knit clique when she begins falling for a reclusive, lower-class schoolmate.

What's Up with Cinta?

2002

What's Up with Cinta? poster
7.5

A popular high school girl strains her relationship with her close-knit clique when she begins falling for a reclusive, lower-class schoolmate.

What's Up with Cinta?

2002

Rainy Season Song poster
NR

The story follows a small family that will be confronted by floods and landslides

Rainy Season Song

2015

Rangga & Cinta poster
7.1

Jakarta, 2001. Cinta seems to have it all—close friends, a loving family, and the title of the most popular girl in school. But her perfect world starts to shift when she unexpectedly loses a poetry contest to Rangga, a quiet and mysterious boy who prefers books to people. Annoyed yet intrigued, Cinta finds herself drawn into his world, so different from her own. As emotions grow and loyalties are tested, she must choose between the friends who’ve always stood by her or the first love she never saw coming.

Rangga & Cinta

2025

A Gift poster
8.0

Isfi can wear her comfortable pants among her guy friends but has to wear hijab to be accepted at Nita’s house. Two days to Nita’s Birthday, all Isfi wants is to prepare the best gift in Nita’s room.

A Gift

2018

The Rainbow Troops poster
7.6

A group of 10 students struggles with poverty and develop hopes for the future in Gantong Village on the farming and tin mining island of Belitung.

The Rainbow Troops

2008

Gie poster
6.3

Indonesian activist Soe Hok Gie experiences a political awakening during the tumultuous regimes of Soeharto and Soekarno.

Gie

2005

Gie poster
6.3

Indonesian activist Soe Hok Gie experiences a political awakening during the tumultuous regimes of Soeharto and Soekarno.

Gie

2005

What's Up with Cinta 2 poster
6.4

14 years after their budding romance in high school, Rangga and Cinta reunite in Yogyakarta to have their closure after Rangga had left Cinta with no explanation years prior.

What's Up with Cinta 2

2016

Takut: Faces of Fear poster
5.9

Compilation of short horror films from seven directors who produced six film segments in one anthology.

Takut: Faces of Fear

2008

Takut: Faces of Fear poster
5.9

Compilation of short horror films from seven directors who produced six film segments in one anthology.

Takut: Faces of Fear

2008

Takut: Faces of Fear poster
5.9

Compilation of short horror films from seven directors who produced six film segments in one anthology.

Takut: Faces of Fear

2008

Run to the Beach poster
7.5

Sam and her mother Uci, are about to do a road trip to G-Land beach in Banyuwangi. Sam's cousin, Happy, who's 180° different from Sam also came along on the road trip.

Run to the Beach

2018

Run to the Beach poster
7.5

Sam and her mother Uci, are about to do a road trip to G-Land beach in Banyuwangi. Sam's cousin, Happy, who's 180° different from Sam also came along on the road trip.

Run to the Beach

2018