Geliat Sinema Indonesia Timur dan Film Basri-Salma yang Keliling Dunia

Summary

This transcript features a filmmaker discussing their journey into cinema, from their childhood fascination with films to their experiences with short films and participation in prestigious festivals. The conversation touches on their creative processes, challenges in the Makassar film community, and evolving perspective on filmmaking. The filmmaker also shares insights into their current projects, including a potential feature film, and expresses hope for greater representation of underrepresented voices in Indonesian cinema. Throughout, the importance of authenticity, personal storytelling, and embracing diverse cinematic approaches is emphasized.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker, Kozi, shares his journey into filmmaking, starting with his childhood love for films and his early exposure to Indonesian cinema.
• 😀 Kozi's first impactful experience with cinema was at the age of 5, when he saw a film in a large theater, which sparked his desire to create something similar.
• 😀 Growing up in Makassar, Kozi's access to films was limited, so he often watched Indonesian movies and later discovered Hollywood and European films, expanding his cinematic awareness.
• 😀 His interest in short films began when he encountered a French film at a course in Bandung, which opened his eyes to films outside of Indonesia and Hollywood.
• 😀 Kozi's breakthrough film, 'Anisa', won a significant prize at a film festival in Paris, which led to his first opportunity to create a larger film project.
• 😀 After 'Anisa', Kozi created 'Lik-Liku Laki', a deeply personal and universally relatable film that marked his entry into the wider film industry, gaining recognition at Sundance.
• 😀 Kozi reflects on his evolving creative process, emphasizing that film festivals broadened his perspective on short films, and how he began experimenting with different styles and genres.
• 😀 He discusses the importance of authenticity in filmmaking, particularly in Makassar's film community, where he feels there is a lack of distinct personal voices.
• 😀 Kozi expresses frustration with the divisive and insular nature of the Makassar film scene but remains optimistic about the potential for growth in Indonesian cinema.
• 😀 Kozi is preparing for a feature-length film that will focus on underrepresented themes and issues in Indonesian cinema, particularly queer topics, showing his commitment to tackling social issues through film.

Q & A

How did Kozi first become interested in filmmaking?

Kozi first became interested in filmmaking at the age of five. He recalls a magical experience in a large cinema where he watched a movie and decided he wanted to create something similar when he grew up.

What was the first film that deeply influenced Kozi's love for cinema?

The first film that deeply influenced Kozi's love for cinema was 'Sharina.' This moment, where he watched a film in a large cinema, left a lasting impression on him.

How did Kozi's early years in Makassar influence his filmmaking journey?

Growing up in Makassar, Kozi had limited access to international films, but he became immersed in Indonesian films. He frequented local video rentals, watched a variety of films, and developed a passion for cinema, even though his English skills were not strong at the time.

How did Kozi's experience in Bandung shape his approach to filmmaking?

In Bandung, Kozi gained exposure to European films and international film festivals, particularly through free screenings of French films. This expanded his understanding of cinema beyond Hollywood and Indonesian films, sparking his interest in short films.

What was the significance of the short film 'Kara Anak Sebatang Pohon' for Kozi?

The film 'Kara Anak Sebatang Pohon' introduced Kozi to the concept of short films, specifically how they could address themes like capitalism in an abstract and creative way. This film greatly influenced his decision to explore short filmmaking.

How did Kozi's first short film, 'Anisa,' impact his filmmaking career?

'Anisa' was a short film that Kozi submitted to a film festival in Paris. It won an award, which provided him with significant financial support and encouragement to continue filmmaking. This success also led to more opportunities and recognition.

What was the turning point in Kozi's career that made him consider becoming a professional filmmaker?

The turning point came after the production of his short film 'Basri Salma.' After filming, Kozi realized he had the talent for filmmaking and felt a deep connection to the craft, solidifying his decision to pursue it professionally.

What challenges did Kozi face in the Makassar film community?

In Makassar, the filmmaking community was divided into factions, which made it difficult to collaborate. Kozi also felt that there was a lack of originality and distinctiveness in the local films, with many filmmakers imitating others rather than developing their own unique styles.

How did Kozi's perspective on filmmaking evolve after making several short films?

Kozi's perspective evolved significantly. Initially, he viewed short films simply as a form of expression, but after attending multiple film festivals, he realized that short films could be more experimental, diverse in style, and provide unique sensory experiences for the audience.

What is Kozi's future direction in filmmaking, particularly regarding feature films?

Kozi is currently focused on developing a feature film that addresses themes and issues that he feels are underrepresented in Indonesian cinema. His goal is to create a film that authentically reflects his values and perspective on topics that are rarely explored in mainstream media.