Comic Ernest Prakasa Returns to Silver Screen in Star-Studded 'Cek Toko Sebelah'
Jakarta. Comic Ernest Prakasa returns to the silver screen with "Cek Toko Sebelah,"or "Check Out the Shop Next Door," a story that digs into the comedy and drama of running a Chinese-Indonesian family business.
Speaking after the press screening at Epicentrum XXI in South Jakarta on Tuesday (20/12), Ernest said the movie is inspired by his family background.
"My mother has run a general store since 1985," he said. "That's why I wanted to make a story based on it, it's what I am familiar with."
Ernest, who wrote, directed and starred in the Star Vision production, said the movie goes beyond a story of family conflict and explores cultural values.
“Often times, it is normal that in Indonesian-Chinese families the children who study abroad end up being a shopkeeper.”
The film follows the life of general store owner Koh Afuk (Chew Kin Wah), who wants to pass his shop to second son Erwin, played by Ernest. Koh Afuk's eldest son, Yohan (Dion Wiyoko), feels he deserves the shop as he's the eldest son although his father is hesitant due to Yohan's history of drug and alcohol abuse.
The 108-minute show also stars Adinia Wirasti, Indonesian Idol singer Gisella Anastasia and 20 stand-up comedians such as Dodit and Abdur as well as YouTube stars such as Paopao and Guntur from Last Day Production. Kaesang Pangarep, the youngest son of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, also has a cameo in the movie.
Sony Music Indonesia produces a mini original soundtrack album for the movie featuring GAC and the Overtunes with “Senyum dan Harapan” ("Smile and Hope"), “Berlari Tanpa Kaki” and "I Still Love You."
"Cek Toko Sebelah" opens in Indonesian cinemas on Thursday, Dec. 28.
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