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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Culture & Society

Indonesian Directors Shine at Cannes with Four Short Films

From Tempo · (2h ago) Indonesian Positive tone

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Four Indonesian short films, produced by KawanKawan Media, will screen at the 65th edition of La Semaine de la Critique at the Cannes Film Festival.
  • The films, created under the Next Step Studio program, are a collaboration between Indonesian directors and filmmakers from across Southeast Asia.
  • Directors Reza Rahadian and Reza Fahriyansyah shared insights into their films "Annisa" and "Holy Crowd," highlighting themes of overcoming challenges and social commentary.

Tempo is proud to highlight the significant achievement of Indonesian cinema on the global stage, with four distinct short films selected for the prestigious La Semaine de la Critique at the Cannes Film Festival. This selection is a testament to the burgeoning talent and creative vision within Indonesia's film industry, showcasing collaborations that bridge national borders within Southeast Asia.

I met her while shooting a film and fell in love with her zest for life, so I decided to tell her story.

— Reza RahadianExplaining his inspiration for the film 'Annisa'.

The Next Step Studio program, spearheaded by KawanKawan Media, has facilitated a remarkable cross-cultural exchange, resulting in films like "Annisa" and "Holy Crowd." Director Reza Rahadian's "Annisa" delves into the life of a visually impaired young singer, emphasizing her spirit and resilience, while "Holy Crowd," co-directed by Reza Fahriyansyah, explores social absurdities through a unique lens.

Beyond framing images and stringing them into motion, I believe in how people will ultimately enjoy it; some may like it, some may not.

— Reza RahadianReflecting on his directorial philosophy.

These selections underscore a growing trend of Indonesian filmmakers pushing creative boundaries and engaging with universal themes. The participation in an event as globally recognized as Cannes provides an invaluable platform, not just for the directors and their teams, but for Indonesian storytelling to resonate with international audiences. It's a moment of national pride, demonstrating that Indonesian narratives can captivate and inspire on the world's biggest cinematic stage.

When I saw her mother, the image that came to mind was Nazira; she looks so much like Nazira.

— Reza RahadianOn casting Nazira C. Noer as the mother in 'Annisa'.

While Western media often focuses on established cinematic powers, Tempo believes it's crucial to spotlight the vibrant and diverse voices emerging from regions like Southeast Asia. The success of these short films at Cannes is more than just an artistic triumph; it's a powerful statement about the richness of Indonesian culture and its growing influence in the global film landscape.

I was eventually able to play the character, but the greatest lesson I took from the project came during the shoot.

— Nazira C. NoerSharing her experience acting in 'Annisa'.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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