Once a rising star in Indonesia’s comedy circuit, Ryan Adriandhy has now taken center stage in an entirely different arena: animated filmmaking. His directorial debut, Jumbo, which launched in cinemas on March 31, 2025, is quickly becoming one of the year’s most talked-about films—not just for its heartfelt story and striking visuals, but for the incredible journey behind it.

What most viewers don’t realize is that Jumbo wasn’t made overnight—it was a labor of love five years in the making. And at the helm? A man best known for holding a mic, not a megaphone.

Before donning the director’s cap, Ryan first stole the spotlight as the champion of Stand Up Comedy Indonesia Season 1 back in 2011. Since then, his path has been anything but conventional. From sketch comedies like Malam Minggu Miko to writing and starring in cult hits like Cinta Dalam Kardus, Ryan carved out a space for himself in Indonesia’s entertainment scene. But it was his bold decision to step away from the stage and into animation that truly set him apart.

With a background in graphic design and a master’s degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology, Ryan isn’t just a funny man with big dreams—he’s a technically savvy storyteller with a vision. After working behind the scenes as a junior colorist, he joined Visinema’s NUSSA project, sharpening his skills before finally launching his own animated feature.

And Jumbo? It's not just a film—it’s Ryan’s magnum opus.

But the real question is: why did a stand-up comedian spend half a decade pouring his life into a children’s animated movie? And what does a former comic know about crafting an emotional rollercoaster that’s captivating audiences across generations?

Spoiler alert: more than you'd think.