Several Times Surprised When Watching KKN Di Desa Penari And Trying Not To Shout, Emil Dardak: Keeping My Image, I Watch It With Millennials

JAKARTA - The Deputy Governor of East Java, Emil Elestianto Dardak, admitted that he was surprised several times when he watched the movie KKN Di Desa Penari on Saturday night.

“A few times, actually, but I couldn't stop myself from shouting, the young people's language was a little 'jaim' (keeping the image). Moreover, I was watching it with millennials," he said after watching the movie with the "Gen Emil" (Millennial Golden Generation) community at XXI Tunjungan Plaza Surabaya, quoted by Antara, Sunday.

One of the scenes that made Arumi Bachsin's husband remember, and even became his favorite, was the appearance of the figure of "Mbah Dok".

In the story, Mbah Dok is a genie in the form of a grandmother who guards and protects Nur, one of the figures, from other genie disturbances.

Even though it is a horror genre, Emil Dardak believes that there are many lessons to be learned from the movie and reminds that Indonesia has a variety of cultures, both language, and culture.

“The movie is dominated by Javanese, showing a variety of languages. But there are still Indonesian subtitles, including English so that everyone can still enjoy it,” he said.

The former Trenggalek regent also admitted that he would not give up watching Indonesian horror films again, especially since the Indonesian film situation had been halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Moreover, I haven't watched a movie in a long time. In my opinion, the movie cannot be separated from the cinema, and Alhamdulillah now it is possible to visit again. Of course with rules and compliance with health protocols," he said.

The number two person in the East Java Provincial Government emphasized his pride in Indonesian filmmakers who succeeded in making films made by the people of the nation and liked by the public.

"Hopefully in the future, more Indonesian films will be produced and become public spectacle. Hopefully, there will also be a film that raises and introduces East Java," he said.

KKN Di Desa Penari is a horror film adapted from a phenomenal thread by Simple Man, telling the story of six students who carry out an Actual Field Experience (KKN) in a remote village.

However, the village they visited turned out to have many gripping mysteries.

The film stars Tissa Biani, Adinda Thomas, Aghniny Haque, Achmad Megantara, Calvin Jeremy, and Fajar Nugraha, and is directed by Avi Suryadi.

Meanwhile, "Gen Emil" Coordinator Puji Sri Lestari explained that the community is a gathering place for millennials from various backgrounds, such as students, social activists, young entrepreneurs, cultural activists, content creators, and others.

"We are gathered here because we have a shared commitment to collaborate to contribute to development, social, cultural, economic, and political in East Java," he said.

"Watching films made by the nation's children is also a form of support for Indonesian filmmakers. Apart from the pros and cons of this film, we believe and support Indonesian filmmakers to continue working," Puji added.