Today we’re excited to be connecting with Ajeng Canyarasmi again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.
Ajeng, always such a pleasure connecting with you and thank you for sharing your stories, insights and inspiring messages with our community. We’re looking forward to getting the download and what you have been up to since our last interview, but first can you briefly introduce yourself to folks who might have missed the prior conversation.
It’s great to connect again! I am a sound editor, designer and re-recording mixer in post-production sound for film, television, interactive media, and any sound-driven storytelling media. My journey in this industry has been shaped by passion and commitment to effective storytelling through sound. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working on a range of projects from independent films to major productions, collaborating with passionate and talented filmmakers to bring their stories to life through pristine, immersive audio experiences.
Since our last conversation, I have continued to expand my work, contributing to projects that have garnered significant recognition. In addition to my past credits, I worked on wonderful films such as Nate & John, directed by Jumai Yusuf, and Learning English, directed and produced by Jean Liu—both of which were official selections at Tribeca 2024. Nate & John was also nominated for the 2025 NAACP Image Award in the Outstanding Animated Short Form category. The Unreachable Star, directed by Sharon Park, was an Oscar 2025-contending film alongside with Nate & John! I also worked as the re-recording mixer on Words of Her (Meiyu), directed and animated by Charlene Xu, which is set to have its North American premiere at SXSW 2025.
I was also fortunate to spend a little over a couple of years working at Sony Pictures Sound & Post Media Department, contributing to several of their tentpole productions. It was an incredible opportunity to learn and grow from some of Hollywood’s best, and I am deeply grateful for the mentorship and experience I received there. Around the same time, I was honored to serve as the Sound Coordinator for USC Cinematic Arts’ Expanded Animation program under Co-Director Kathy Smith. In this role, I had the opportunity to advise master’s students on sound design for their thesis projects, oversee their final mixes, and lead sound workshops for both undergraduate and graduate animation students. I remembered feeling fulfilled to mentor these emerging filmmakers and help them enhance their stories sonically.
Recently, my path took an unexpected turn, leading me to temporarily return to my home country, Indonesia—one of the many affected by the shifting tides in the country. While this change has been challenging, it has also opened new opportunities. I am currently developing a short animated film titled Boelan, collaborating with both the Indonesian animation community and the Los Angeles filmmaking scene. This project is a deeply personal one to me—it explores a journey of longing and belonging, and how it ultimately separates an artist from her chosen family, her kitten whom she raised as her own.
What sets my work apart is my profound appreciation for sound’s emotional and psychological impact. I approach every project in unique ways that are both subtle yet effective, ensuring that sound elevates the visual and completes the film’s emotional ride and narrative arc. Whether through impactful sound design, precise editing, or recording the right textures in mixing, my focus is always on creating an immersive experience that strengthens the narrative.
My journey has had its challenges, but each project reinforces my passion for what I do. I am excited to continue pushing boundaries in sound and collaborating with filmmakers who share a vision for impactful storytelling.
Great, so let’s jump into an update on what you have been up to since we last spoke. What can you share with us?
Despite currently being on the other side of the world, I feel incredibly fortunate to maintain strong connections with my friends, fellow creatives and collaborators from Los Angeles and beyond. As an international creative voice, continuing to work across borders has been an invaluable journey—it allows me to expand my artistic reach, remain part of the global storytelling landscape, and continue to bring a tailored perspective to each project. The opportunity to collaborate with artists from different backgrounds has only harnessed my cinematic approach through sound, and I am excited for what lies ahead.
This year, alongside editing and mixing for upcoming short and feature films, I have also been involved as an editor for 41,000 Feet and Thriving, a podcast hosted by Virginia Hankins that explores the world of private aviation. Working on this series has introduced me to some of the most amazing and inspiring people as our guests, giving me a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of hospitality and safety served with precision and excellence aboveground.
On the creative front, I could not be more excited about how Boelan, our animated short film, is taking shape. Alongside with our incredible producer Putra Hanuddin, this project has been a wonderful collaboration with a majority-Indonesian crew, including the talented & well-established illustrator Adelia Maghfira aka “Maghfirare”, whose visual aesthetic has brought plenty of depth to the film, and Upstairs Digital House, a renowned animation studio based in Bogor, Indonesia, known for their expertise in 2D and 3D animation. At the same time, a few of key creative roles are filled by well-established Los Angeles-based filmmakers such as Indonesian composer Joseph Djafar (Minecraft Live: 2023, Panggonan Winggit 2 Miss K) and Tim Truesdell (The Things We Keep – Short Film Grand Jury Prize Nominee at Sundance Film Festival 2025) who is leading the color grading department. Bringing together these two creative communities has been an inspiring process, proving that creativity knows no boundaries.
We are entering the production phase and actively fundraising to bring Boelan to life. This film is not just any story—it is a tale of unconditional love, resilience, sacrifices, and emotional journey many immigrants face. If the readers believe in amplifying immigrant voices and supporting diverse storytelling, Team Boelan and I would love to connect! Feel free to reach out through our email or Instagram—every form of support helps bring this vision to the big screen.
Beyond my work in post-production, I have been embracing my passion for education and mentorship. Having previously served as Sound Coordinator at USC Cinematic Arts’ Expanded Animation Program, I have always valued the opportunity to share my audio knowledge and wisdom with the next generation of filmmakers. Recently, I have been invited to give national-scale seminars and lectures on the importance of sound in film and animation production. One of the highlights was leading a screening workshop at Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival 2024 in Yogyakarta, and I am honored to have recently been a guest lecturer at Universitas Ciputra in Surabaya, West Java. These experiences have been rewarding, allowing me to inspire and equip young storytellers with a deeper understanding of how sound shapes our cinematic experiences.
Every opportunity has reinforced my commitment to storytelling through sound. I look forward to continuing to collaborate, mentor, and contribute to the global creative industry in meaningful ways.
We have now arrived at one of our favorite parts of the interview – the lightning round. We’ll ask you a few quick questions to give us all some fun insights about you.
- Favorite Movie: Ever After
- Favorite Book: The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy
- Favorite TV Show: currently loving DanDaDan
- Sweet or Savory: sweet
- Favorite Sport (to play): dancing
- As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: a scientist
- Favorite Breakfast Food: pancakes, bacon and scrambled egg
When you look back on your life, what are three things you expect to be proud of?
Firstly, I am proud that I have (finally) learned to go with the flow, embracing the unexpected. Returning to Indonesia was never part of my initial plan, hence leaving felt like I was being pulled away from a life I had worked hard to build. Saying goodbye—albeit temporarily— to my friends, my work in the city that had become my home was heartbreaking. But I have come to realize that real connections do not fade with distance, and when one door closes, another opens in ways we never anticipate. This time has allowed me to really slow down, reconnect with myself, my family, my culture, and forge profound, new relationships. One of the most rewarding opportunities has been bringing project Boelan to life alongside an incredible team of creatives across borders. Though I still miss Los Angeles at times, I know I carry its warmth, wisdoms, and friendships with me wherever I go.
Secondly, I am proud that I never gave up. While I have been fortunate to experience incredible opportunities, the past few years had been the hardest I have ever faced, filled with events that tested my resilience in ways I could never imagine. There were days when I felt completely drained, questioning if I had the strength to keep going. But I held onto faith that I was meant for something greater than my lowest moments. Through resilience, and the unwavering, unconditional support of my friends and colleagues, I persevered. Looking back, now I have a story worth telling—one that proves even the darkest times will pass, and on the other side, there is growth, strength, and bright new beginnings.
Lastly but not least, I am proud of my communities within Los Angeles. When I saw the devastating news of Southern California fires, I could only imagine what my friends and colleagues were enduring. But, just as they once supported me through my toughest times, I watched them show up for one another with immense kindness and solidarity. Even from afar, I felt honored to be part of a community that stands together. We have supported each other through the best of times and the hardest of times, and that is something truly worth holding onto.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @canyarasmix, @41000ftandthriving, @boelananimation
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kajengc
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
Kageri, Matthew Halla, Charlene Xu, Bernard Realino Danu Kristianto, Pradityo Bayu
