Kantata Takwa
This film, originally filmed in 1991 but completed only in 2008, is a kind of poem in which a number of Indonesian artists bear witness to events in the repressive Suharto New Order period. At that time there was much corruption, and the imprisonment (and even the kidnappings and the killing) of activists who did not share the views or ideologies of the government. These people included the poet Rendra, who was repeatedly jailed because his works were regarded as allegories criticising the New Order government. Also the popular singers, Sawung Jabo and Iwan Fals, who often sang of the social situation affecting the ordinary people, had to face the possibility of arrest by this powerful government. This film gives voice to the testimonies of the various performers who joined together in the group Kantata Takwa. Their big concert, initially held in the Senayan Stadium in Jakarta in April 1991, and banned after its second performance (in Surabaya), was a symbol of opposition to the government in that period, openly expressed at these concerts, through poetry and song. At that same time in 1991 this film was made by a number of filmmakers, many of who are associated with the Jakarta Institute of the Arts (some of whom have since then died). This film, originally shot on 35mm, has now at last been completed and released, the difference only being in its digital media format, after being held up for 18 years of difficulties, including too the economic crisis in Indonesia and its aftermath. Finally now in this Reform Era in Indonesia it can be freed from the shackles of the repressive New Order period, even though right now we feel there have still not been many changes in Indonesia since the time when this film was made in the New Order period, especially in the matters of the welfare of the common people and of the handling of the economy. For many people in Indonesia today this film is still very relevant to the daily lives of ordinary people, because in many regards the government has not made many significant changes that might improve their disadvantaged lives.
Drupadi
Drupadi is an adaption from a part of the Indian ancient epic Mahabrata. This movie depicts a story of Drupadi, the wife of five brothers known as Pandawa. In a very fateful night, Pandawa was invited to a dice game to play against Kurawa Brothers. Sakuni, the Kurawa's uncle had arranged the dice game, playing against Yuhistiram the eldest of the Pandawa. Yudhistira loses all his wealth, then his kingdom. He gambles his brothers, himself, and finally Drupadi, into servitude. Struggligng for her freedom, Drupadi repeatedly questions Yudhistira's right to place her at a stake when he himself had lost his freedom. The movie is not only a Drupadi's story, but in the modern world, it becomes a symbol of woman who believes in the world of just and equiality.
