The experience in Toraja imprinted deeply in Ensadi’s subsequent works. His first documentary film was produced in 1979, the documentary explores the Toraja tribe’s elaborate funeral ceremony in Sulawesi. Closing date for entries is Wednesday April 24, and winners will be picked in a random draw. Don’t forget to leave your real name and e-mail address so we can get in touch with you.įor the complete program, list of screenings, ticket bookings, and more information, visit the official Indonesian Film Festival website, or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.Ensadi finished his study in 1978 at the Jakarta Institute of Art. Interested? Meld has two single passes up for grabs to see Di Balik Frekuensi and Mika! To win, simply tell us in the comments section below why you’d like the chance to attend the Indonesian Film Festival this year. As part of the program, the Indonesian film Bidadari Bidadari Surga (2012)-literally “angels in/from heaven”- will be screened twice, providing an opportunity for students to delve deeper into Indonesian culture and practice the language they have learned at school.
Photo: StarVisionĪs a dedicated supporter of the development of Indonesian Language Education in Australian schools, the festival will feature an educational program specifically dedicated to students learning Bahasa Indonesia. This event will be held at the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (72 Queens Rd, Melbourne), starting from 11am on Saturday, April 27.īoth events will provide interesting insights into the Indonesian cinema landscape.īidadari Bidadari Surga, adapted from a novel of the same title, tells the story of a woman who is pressured to find love. There will also be a workshop for those who have always dreamed of writing, directing, and producing their own films, led by the Modus Anomali crew. Mr Ambyo will also be leading a discussion around the topic “Indonesia and the Shifting Film Industry towards Asia”. The session kicks off at 6.30pm, April 25 at Ramen Ya (108 Bourke St, Melbourne), and will be hosted by the acting executive producer of Radio Australia’s Indonesian team Aristo Ambyo. In the midst of their battles against their own personal tribulations, their relationship soon develops into strong friendship and then inevitably, love.įor those interested to go behind the scenes, the festival will be holding a Meet & Greet sessionwith Joko Anwar, Sheila Timothy, and Tia Hasibuan, the director, producer and co-producer of Modus Anomali. In the city of Busan, South Korea, two Indonesians are forced together by circumstances and must struggle to get along, discovering that friendship and love can be found where they least expect it.ĭi Balik Frekuensi (literally “behind the frequency”) asks one main question: 14 years after the reform era, can the Indonesian press be bought? This documentary film explores the current constellation of media conglomerates in the country, featuring snippets from journalists and media observers, and comments on the current state of the press.Ī shy and awkward high school girl suffering from scoliosis meets the film’s titular character-a young man who, despite having AIDS, is cheerful and optimistic. He must now save his family before the time runs out. Spoilt for choice, we asked the festival’s project manager Michelle Mulyono about this year’s highlights and some of her top film picks:Īn unconventional psychological thriller by renowned Indonesian director Joko Anwar, Modus Anomali tells the story of a man who finds himself waking up in a forest with chunks of his memory missing.
The films cover a wide range of genres that reflect Indonesia’s diverse culture. The largest and only annual celebration of Indonesian screen culture in Australia to date, organisers have this year bumped the number of featured films from five to eight. Held in collaboration with the Melbourne University Indonesian Students’ Association (MUISA), the Melbourne Indonesian Film Festival is back for an eighth year, from April 26 to May 2 at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).