Jermal

Film critic,translator Lalit Rao saw this film at 14th International Film festival of Kerala 2009 where he had a long discussion with acclaimed Dutch cinema personality Mr.Orlow Seunke about film making process in Indonesia.All films which have sea as central theme are followed,discussed and viewed with great awe as viewers tend to have special ideas about people and places related to deep waters which are known for their courage and determination.Jermal / Fishing platform is one such Indonesian film which takes us on an adventurous journey of epic proportions where seemingly delicate world of kids is repressively brutal.It is in such an extremely harsh atmosphere that an innocent soul finds salvation.In a nation where teen comedies are devoured with excessive fervor,making of Jermal is nothing short of a veritable miracle. All possible credit for it must go to famous Dutch producer/director Mr.Orlow Seunke who conducted a screen writing workshop for young, talented Indonesian filmmakers.It was during one such workshop that Ravi Bharwani and Rayya Makarim submitted their proposal which was accepted by Orlow Seunke.This led to getting funds from all possible source including Netherlands Film Fund and Hubert Bals Fund. The best thing that can be said about Jermal is that it is a very tender film which would appeal to all viewers who are interested in issue based serious cinema.

It's seldom that Indonesian filmmakers venture into the unchartered territory of making Indy films. Most of them prefer to make stupid films which focuses on some clichéd, lame topics, just to get quick bucks from the public.

The film is nice breath of air, far from the putrid smell coming out from the poor quality Indonesian films shown in the cinemas currently. Nice, unpretentious, unassuming little film.

A story of a boy coming of age. Of friends, of family, and of belief.

A good watch to those who enjoy Indy films. As this is a slow film, moving at a rather slow speed, it is not suitable to those who would rather watch action films, or films with fast actions.