11 Indonesian Films Screened Abroad, From Drama to Horror
Many indonesian film known for capturing worldwide attention by winning awards at festival film International. In fact, several Indonesian films have also been shown successfully abroad.
These films are not only interesting stories and brilliant camera work. But it also displays stories closely related to Indonesian culture.
In addition, the story also contains messages and meanings. Here are 11 Indonesian films that are shown abroad and you shouldn’t miss them.
1. Prenyak (2016)
 Indonesian films shown abroad, one of which is Prenjak (Photo: Studio Batu via Imdb) |
Released in 2016, the film Prenjac tells about things that are quite taboo. Prenyak tells about Daya, who asked his friend Jarvo to buy matches. After buying a match, Jarvo was allowed to see Daiya’s genitals.
This short film, directed by Regas Bhanuteya, successfully entered the international arena and received a number of prestigious international awards.
From the Discovery Award at the Cannes Film Festival, the best live action short film at the Melbourne International Film Festival, to the best Southeast Asian short film at the SGIFF Silver Screen Award.
2. Tour (2016)
The next Indonesian film to be shown abroad is Tura. This film tells the story of a lower class people who struggle with overwhelming oppression.
Tura received an award at the Singapore International Film Festival in the Asian Feature Film Special Mention category. Not only that, this film was also screened at ACMI Cinema Federation Square in Melbourne, Australia.
3. Marlin: The Killer in Four Acts (2017)
Marlena: Four Act Killer is a regional film that makes Indonesia proud of its presence on the international film scene.
This film directed by Muli Surya tells the story of a group of robbers who come to the house of a widow named Marlena.
The next day, Marlina brought back the head of the bandit leader Marcus, whom she had beheaded the previous night. Marlina then meets Novi, who is expecting the birth of her child, and also meets Franz, who wants Marcus’ head back.
In addition to showing in Indonesian cinemas, Marlin: The Killer in Four Acts has also been screened at several international film festivals, one of which is the Cannes Film Festival.
This film also won the Grand Prix at the Tokyo FilmEX International Film Festival in 2017.
4. Slave of Satan (2017)
 Indonesian films shown abroad, one of which is Slave of Satan (Photo: Doc. Rapi Films) |
The next Indonesian film to be shown abroad is Slaves of Satan. This film tells the story of a family struggling financially due to their mother’s medical treatment.
The film, directed by Joko Anwar, has also been screened in several countries such as Malaysia, Singapore and the United States.
Slaves of Satan also won Best Horror Film awards at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival, the Overlook Film Festival and the Popcorn Frights Film Festival.
5. Kiss my beautiful body (2018)
Released in 2018, My Beautiful Body Kucumbu tells the life story of a young man named Juno. He lives alone, doing the Lengger dance.
This film is considered controversial in Indonesia because it touches on a sensitive subject. However, this film managed to win many nominations and awards.
Kukumbu Berlian Indaku was selected to represent Indonesia at the 2018 Academy Awards. This film also won the Bisato D’oro Award from the Venice Independent Film Critic and Best Film at Des 3 Continents.
6. Sekala Niskala (2018)
Set in Bali, Sekala Niskala follows the lives of two male and female twins named Tantra and Tantri.
Tantra is diagnosed with a disease that caused him to lose consciousness. Meanwhile, Tantri, who misses Tantra, often wakes up at night and sees Tantra.
Sekala Niskala has won awards at several international film festivals such as the Busan International Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival. The film also won the Grand Prix at the Tokyo FilmEX International Film Festival and Best Youth Feature Film at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards.
7. Gundala (2019)
 Indonesian films shown abroad, one of which is Gundala (Photo: Doc. Bumilangit Studios/Legacy Pictures) |
Continuing the theme of local Indonesian heroes, Gundala tells the story of a young man named Sanchaka who survives the death of his parents. Lightning then struck his body and stimulated strength.
Directed by Joko Anwar, the film was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival and the Paris International Fantastic Film Festival. The film was also nominated for the Asia Film Awards in the Best Production Design category.
8. Jakarta vs. Everyone (2020)
Jakarta Against All, also known internationally as Jakarta City of Dreamers, is a film directed and written by Ertanto Robbie Soediscam.
This film tells the story of Dom, a 23 year old boy who decides to move to Jakarta to fulfill his dream of becoming an actor. However, the House has to face life’s difficulties. One day Dom meets Pinkan and Radit.
“Jakarta vs. Everyone” made it to the 24th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (POFF), which premiered on November 26, 2020 in Estonia.
June 9 (2021)
Uni is a drama film directed and written by Camila Andini. This film tells the story of Yuni, a purple-loving high school student who dreams of continuing her education to the highest level.
Yuni’s films have received several nominations and awards at international film festivals, such as the Young Cineeastes Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.
Yuni also appeared at the Toronto International Film Festival and became the Indonesian representative for the 2022 Oscar selection.
10. Light copier (2021)
 Indonesian films that are streaming overseas, one of which is Copying Light (Photo: Rekata Studio via Netflix Indonesia) |
Penyal Cahaya also called Photocopier is a drama film. thriller Directed by Regas Bhatuneja. This film tells the story of Suryani who celebrates her victory in the theater by throwing a party with her friends and theater seniors.
But the next morning, Suryani woke up unable to remember anything and had to forfeit her scholarship because a photo she uploaded of her drunk at a party became known to the campus.
Before being screened in Indonesia, “Copying Light” had its first screening at the Busan International Film Festival. At the Copying Lights festival, they competed in several categories, such as the New Current Award, New Currents Audience Award, NETPAC Award and FIPRESCI Award.
11. Like revenge, longing must be paid in full (2021)
Like Dendam, Rindu Must Be Paid in Full (Revenge is mine, everyone else pays in cash) is an adaptation of Eka Kurniawan’s novel of the same name.
This film tells the story of Ajo Kavir, a hero who is not afraid of death. But when confronted by a female fighter named Iteun, Ajo was overwhelmed and fell in love.
Capturing the unique atmosphere of the 80s era, this film won the Golden Leopard award at the Locarno Film Festival in 2021.
Like Revenge, Rindu Must Be Paid Fully is also included in the official list of several international film festivals such as Toronto International Film Festival, FilmFest Hamburg, Busan International Film Festival, BFI London Film Festival, Vienna International Film Festival and Tokyo International Film Festival. Film Festival.
Happy viewing.