News

Continuing its run of slate launches globally, Netflix unveiled new Indonesian originals premiering on its platform this year.

The streamer is working on its first collaboration with director and comedian Ernest Prakasa, titled The Actor (Lupa Daratan). The comedy-drama film is about an egocentric actor who is on the cusp of landing the lead role in a prestige biopic, but suddenly finds himself stripped of his acting abilities. The film stars Vino G. Bastian, Agus Kuncoro and Dea Panendra.

Netflix will also launch its first zombie film from Indonesia, The Elixir, from accomplished horror director Kimo Stamboel. Previously announced with the working title of Abadi Nan Jaya, the film tells the story of a potion that ends up triggering a zombie outbreak due to the ambition of a herbal medicine company’s owner. The Elixir stars Donny Damara, Mikha Tambayong, Eva Celia, Dimas Anggara, Kiki Narendra and Marthino Lio.

The...

Stories about forbidden love is not something new for cinema, not even when we are talking specifically for ones between priests and nuns, which is the main theme of “Ave Maryam”. Robby Ertanto however, manages to overcome almost all clichés of the category, particularly through the way he implements image and sound. Let us take things from the beginning, though.

“Ave Maryam” is screening at CinemAsia Film Festival

The story takes place in 1980, in a nursing facility for nuns. Sister Maryam “works” there, completely devoted to her chores and to God. However, when Yosef, a handsome and liberal pastor, who is to take charge of the local orchestra, arrives at the facility, all things change. Yosef does not waste much time in showing his feelings to Maryam, but she resists initially. He does not back down though, and the Sister finds herself in front of a life changing decision.

Ertanto...

Soekarno (the original Indonesia spelling of now spell Sukarno) now on wide theatrical release in Indonesia tells the story of Kusno a frequently sick kid that comes to be Indonesia first president Soekarno, and his struggle to lead Indonesia to Independence. The iconic character played by Ario Bayu (Dead Mine, Java Heat) with Lukman Sardi (The Rainbow Troops, The Enlightener) serve as the first vice president and Maudy Kusnaedi (Garuda on My Chest) as Soekarno's first wife among other historic characters and great talent. The director Hanung Bramantyo (The Enlightener, The Verses of Love), one of the most prominent and hard working film directors in Indonesia, said "I want the young generation to be able to witness and comprehend Sukarno and his struggle for...

[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...