Makbul Mubarak | Indonesia
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Martika Escobar Ramirez | Philippines
Royston Tan | Singapore
Lola Amaria | Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia
RAFLI ANWAR MURSADAD (SOUND FROM THE SEA / ALANG-ALANG)
Indonesia
Hard to believe that it’s done by a first-time feature director. It shows a unique vision of the director who dares to tackle a very complex subject that can be both specifically Indonesian and yet psychologically universal, with an ending that pays off powerfully.
It’s a celebration of the magic of cinema: fun, playful, and not afraid to use its limitations as its strengths. It offers a fresh perspective, shedding light into the world of Filipino action films that we rarely get to see.
Just by creating mis-en-scene, it’s a perfect arthouse film. It has wonderfully made a vignette of life shown from a perspective of one of the most under-appreciated departments of filmmaking. The existence of a film like this is crucial in festival environment.
The film illustrates with sincerity and perseverance the struggles of young people trying to fit into social norms through the story of two male friends who struggle to cope with the demands of family relationships and love, the overall effect being reinforced by the outstanding cinematography and sound design.
The category of awarding ‘Best Film’ is a complex one, a decision that took much discussion and careful consideration in light of the excellent films we have had the honor to view.
We the jury are happy to announce that we have unanimously chosen a film that is both a historically important story and one that must have been undoubtedly challenging to produce. Filmed in six countries, over a period of several years, delving into archival sources, patiently uncovering traumatic, repressed histories by talking to survivors, this film is an exploration of a fundamental question that could haunt any of us — can our right to be a part of a country we love be suddenly taken away from us? The film reminds audiences that the past is stubborn and cannot be erased easily. This moving, tender and yet hopeful documentary will help us and future generations to understand the events of the not-so-distant past, removed by barely one generation. The makers show us how for many Indonesians who could not return home for decades, the love for tanah air endured till their last breath.
For its humane depiction of the adverse consequences of a tragedy blamed on a very specific music subculture; its careful attention to its characters, clearly delineating them from each other as the narrative navigates us through the world of metal music with heedful use of a soundtrack that effectively complements the chronicling of the personal journey of a sensitive young man in search for answers and synthesis. For its controlled direction and deep understanding of the characters portrayed effectively by a very talented cast who all blended well with the engaging rhythm of the filmmaker’s style in storytelling, the jury awards Best Achievement in Directing to ADRIYANTO DEWO for the film GALANG.
Penghargaan mendongeng diberikan kepada film yang dijalin dengan ahli, yang memunculkan empati dan kasih sayang untuk karakter utamanya sekaligus mengembangkan karakter pendukung dengan indah. Film ini adalah kisah yang memberikan wawasan yang tulus dan menumbuhkan apresiasi seni genre musik yang mungkin disalahpahami pada lirikan pertama. Kisah kesedihan dan membuat rasa kehilangan saat menemukan diri sendiri setelahnya, diceritakan dengan nuansa yang luar biasa dan dihidupkan di layar dengan arahan yang luar biasa dan pemeran yang berbakat. Indonesian Screen Award untuk storytelling diberikan kepada TUMPAL TAMPUBOLON – “GALANG”.
We have chosen not one but two performers this year for their understated yet brilliant performances. For their sheer talent and ability to transport us into worlds not typically not seen on large screens, we pick these superbly talented young actors:
1. With highest regard for her convincing portrayal of a young woman on a long, difficult journey—an interior one, as she grapples with her decision to leave her home, and then one as she navigates the stunning but harsh terrains of the island she she lives on, we award the first Best Performance prize to Orsila Murib in ORPA.
2. With highest regard for his emotionally sensitive portrayal of a young boy exposed to the early struggles of life and whose juvenile sense of urgency is driven by a close-to-desperate belief that he will find a golden fish in the wide sea that will change the course of his life; for bringing audiences to be part of his journey as his performance draws us closer to root and empathize for him, the jury awards the Indonesian Screen Award for Best Performance to Rafli Anwar Mursadad for ALANG-ALANG (SOUND FROM THE SEA).
The film provides a diverse cinematic experience. It plays with the boundaries of reality, fiction and imagination, as well as its format and form, from ratio, scenario, and roles, to visuals: a strategy and a tribute to cinema.
The film also offers various takes on many issues: family relations, as well as talking about the era, space, city, femininity and masculinity, which are fading. The bitter scenes are delivered satirically, with desires to burst out of its boxes.
This is such an intellectually humble film for a feature debut.
This particular work maximizes the short film palette effectively. Its aesthetic simplicity engages the audience from start to finish. The filmmaker’s strong sense of direction is evident in the realistic and nuanced performance of the actors, and has successfully presented the metaphorical story in a unique manner.
We would also like to mention another outstanding film that portrays the realistic struggle of its characters with great emotion and focus. It is unpretentious, soulful, and uncompromising. For this, the jury is compelled to give a Special Mention to…
“Falling Day”
“Anjing-Anjing Menyerbu Kuburan” directed by Eden Junjung, is one of the films in the Light Of Asia program at JAFF 17. An adaptation of a short story of the same name written by Kunto Wijoyo in 1997.
Eden Junjung successfully visualises and retells the short story into a short film that implies many things. A film which brings up ironically depicted human values.
The animal and human parable in this film opens our eyes to the fact that humans are not necessarily perfect creations. It tragically conveys human worldly greed facing judgment by fellow humans.
Light Of Asia JAFF 17 includes nine diverse and unique films. Each film succeeds in demonstrating the courage to experiment with their identity, displaying varying and unique forms of narrative.
The jury unanimously agreed that director Eden Junjung’s film “Anjing-Anjing Menyerbu Kuburan” is the best of the nominees for the 17th JAFF Student Award.
The storytelling award goes to a film that is expertly woven, one that compels empathy and compassion for its lead protagonist while also exquisitely developing supporting characters. It is a story that offers genuine insight and cultivates an appreciation for the art of a musical genre possibly misunderstood at first glance. Brought to life on screen by exceptional direction and a talented cast, it is a story of grief and making sense of loss while finding oneself in the aftermath, told with sophisticated nuance. The Indonesian Screen Award for storytelling goes to TUMPAL TAMPUBOLON – GALANG.
As its themes and storyline suggest, everything needs waiting time; everything will mature. This film’s cinematography closely adheres to its narrative: deliberately patient; delicately framed; breathtakingly dramatic. The film’s blend of lights and shadows with the camera effectively capturing the character of the locale and the earnestness of the sea show a command of its technicals. The film does not underestimate hopes and dreams and it is visually translated on the silver screen as it presents the sacrifices and struggles of a young boy who is both challenged and embraced by the sea. The Indonesian Screen Award for Best Achievement in Cinematography is awarded to YUDI DATAU – ALANG-ALANG (SOUND FROM THE SEA).
The editing award goes to a film that observes a group of passionate and determined artists. In the face of adversity, the subjects of this film demonstrate unwavering commitment to their art in a manner that is entirely compelling for viewer, made possible through superb filmmaking elevated by editing that cuts fly on the wall footage of everyday action to illuminate turning points that elicit heightened emotional investment from its viewer. A celebration of artistic process and Dangdut music, the jury were unanimous in their affection for this film and are delighted the Indonesian Screen Award for editing goes to YUDA KURNIAWAN – RODA-RODA NADA/ THE TONE WHEELS.
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