As a seasoned movie buff with years of immersing myself in the rich tapestry of global cinema, I must say that Angga Dwimas Sasongko, the youngest Indonesian director to win the Citra Award for Best Picture, is nothing short of an inspiration. His unwavering passion and commitment to the growth of Indonesian cinema are truly commendable.

As a movie critic, I’m filled with unbridled enthusiasm observing the meteoric rise of Indonesian cinema this year. The young prodigy, Angga Dwimas Sasongko, who made history by winning the Citra Award for Best Picture in 2014 at the Indonesian Film Festival, shares my optimism. His keen eye has witnessed firsthand the impressive expansion of our local film industry, which is now commanding a substantial market share.

He expressed, “Now seems just right,” noticing EbMaster’s excitement during the ongoing Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival and the initial JAFF Market.

In Southeast Asia, we have a robust market. Fortunately, Indonesia is not only recuperating from the economic dip caused by the pandemic, but also discovering and nurturing its creative community, as explained by Sasongko, one of the co-founders of Visinema Pictures.

For quite some time now, the acclaimed film director, together with his spouse, Anggia Kharisma, has been a significant advocate for Indonesian cinema through their production company. As Sasongko stated in recent remarks, “The standard of Indonesian films has significantly improved over the past five years.

He mentioned that the topic also involves accessibility. Nowadays, cinemas are found in numerous cities, which has led to an influx of new viewers and increased curiosity among them, he pointed out.

This year, Indonesia’s film industry has captured approximately 60% of the market share, as stated by Sasongko. Some people might suggest this success is due to a lack of Hollywood movies being shown, but that’s not always accurate. Instead, Indonesian films seem appealing because they offer a sense of familiarity and relatability for local audiences, with their unique cultural nuances resonating strongly. The use of the native language and recognizable faces in these films helps draw viewers closer to them.

Despite horror movies continuing to lead the pack in Indonesian cinema, he pointed out the noticeable improvement in their content. “Filmmakers such as Joko Anwar and others have truly raised the stakes,” he commented. “It’s a marked advancement.

According to Sasongko, there’s yet to be a clear agreement on the distinctive feature that sets Indonesian cinema apart. He admitted, “We’re still working it out here in Indonesia.” He further added, “We’re experimenting with various approaches, and next year, Visinema Pictures plans to explore animation as well.

2025 marks Visinema’s venture into a fresh genre as they unveil the animated fairy tale, “Jumbo.” This exciting production features Angga Yunanda, popularly known for his roles in “Stealing Raden Saleh,” “Two Blue Stripes,” and “Mariposa,” alongside Indonesian pop sensation Cinta Laura Khiel (“Oh Baby”) and veteran actress Bunga Cita Lestari (“Habibie & Ainun,” “A Note to God”). The film is directed by Ryan Adriandhy, known for his work in “Two Language and a Sausage.

According to Sasongko, while it’s the audience that essentially shapes cinema, filmmakers are not tasked with molding the audience’s perspective. Instead, he emphasizes the need for consideration about renewal within the industry. He suggests fostering opportunities for fresh talent to enter a more inclusive and thriving environment. This is in light of the significant imbalance between the number of workers and the quantity of films produced in Indonesia.

Sasongko strongly supports the right to creative expression within Indonesia’s film industry, stating, “The absence of this freedom would stifle the growth of innovative ideas – a significant concern given the rapid expansion of Indonesian cinema.” He added, “It’s not just about finding more talented individuals; we need a larger pool of people involved in production, crew work, and the overall film business.

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2024-12-04 15:16