Private Project

MORE PAIN, MORE GAIN

Jati works out day and night to be like his idol, Joni Krakatau, a legend who stands atop the peak of success. When the more popular Abe stands in the way of his dream of becoming the best, Jati challenges him. As both men tear their muscle and dislocate their joints, they realize that success is not determined by who is the strongest, but who has the stronger determination to reach the top. With both men drenched in the pink goop of Joni Krakatau-branded protein shake, the whole gym goes into a frenzy in search of a true legend.

  • Yusgunawan Marto
    Director
    Law Abiding Angels (2016), Donovan (2014)
  • Yusgunawan Marto
    Writer
    Law Abiding Angels (2016), Donovan (2014)
  • Muhammad Omar Azis
    Producer
    Gadis Kretek (2023), Malam Pencabut Nyawa (2024)
  • Nadina Habsjah
    Producer
    Ratu Adil (2023), Katarsis (2022), Code Helix (2021)
  • Adhytia Putra
    Producer
    Ratu Adil (2024), Katarsis (2022), Code Helix (2021)
  • Andri Mashadi
    Key Cast
    "Jati"
    Kuyang (2024), Ratu Adil (2024), 13 Bombs (2023),
  • Volland Humonggio
    Key Cast
    "Abe"
    Ratu Adil (2024), TIRA (2023), Broken Wings (2022)
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    sattire, horror, body horror, drama, dark comedy
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 37 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 10, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    10,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Indonesia
  • Country of Filming:
    Indonesia
  • Language:
    Indonesian
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Monsters of Film, Stockholm Fantastic Film Festival
    Stockholm
    Sweden
    October 12, 2024
    World Premiere
    Official Short FIlm Competition
Director Biography - Yusgunawan Marto

Raised in a family of businesspeople, Yusgunawan was taught at an early age that success is measured by how much money one makes and how much achievement one has at a young age. However, it was this pressure to always live up to expectations that drew him to classical Hollywood movies when he was little, viewing it as a medium of escape where the underdog often wins.

After graduating from the Art Institute of Houston in 2013, he felt that he would not be able to pay his bills if he continued down an idealistic path, and so decided to enter the world of advertisement. However, the extremely competitive and grueling commercial directing landscape eventually burned him out, and that was how he got the inspiration for More Pain More Pain. Although he continues to make commercials for a living, Yusgunawan hopes that this film will be the first of many that he writes and directs, which will be raw, visceral, exciting, but ultimately tragic and heartbreaking.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I grew up hearing stories that the best of men are the ones with big dreams that chase them no matter what it takes. The men who always get back up and swallow their pain in order to reach their goals. If I don't succeed, it is because I haven't fought enough, my mentality isn't strong enough. I grew up knowing many men who endorse such point of view.

What then, if one just can’t take it anymore? The body has grown weak, the heart has grown numb, the closest relationships are on the verge of collapsing. The only enjoyment left is the cheers of the spectators who only witness from afar; an iron-willed man that never gives up to any challenges.

Welcome to Krakatau Gym, a gym where strength is the symbol of success. A place where those that do not overwork are viewed as unambitious, and complacency is frowned upon as weakness.
Here, we will witness the competition between Abe and Jati, two dreamers who are determined to prove that they have the strongest will in order to live up to their idol, Johny Krakatau, a figure that represents ultimate success.

Ruptured muscles and dislocated joints they endure with dignity, as they continue to lift ever-increasing amount of weights.
At the end of the day, what does the winner gain? An acknowledgment that he has what it takes, even though he has lost everything else. But in the eyes of the men who watch him, he is the figure of a true man who endure blood, sweat and tears to achieve his dream, worthy of admiration and exemplary for success.

That is why I decided to make a film that is as absurd as the futility of such competition. I hope you enjoy our film.

Yusgunawan Marto, Director / Screenwriter.