Long Film Debut, Makbul Mubarak Inspired By Childhood In Autobiography

Kevin Ardilova in Autobiography (Media Fellow/Poplicist)

JAKARTA - Director Makbul Mubarak ventured to direct his first feature-length film this year, titled Autobiography. Through this film, he tries to show his childhood fears that he often experienced.

Initially, Makbul intended to write a story for a short film but because the plot was up to 70 pages, he changed the concept to the big screen. "The context is not intentional. I just really follow the characters," said Makbul at the Virtual Gathering on Monday, November 15.

Autobiography tells of Rakib (Kevin Ardilova) a young boy who works taking care of Purna's (Arswendy Bening Swara) house. One time, Purna returned to the house to process his candidacy for regent.

AUTOBIOGRAPHYA film by Makbul Mubarak Rakib (18 years) works to guard an empty house belonging to a pensioner named Purna (62). One day, Purna returned home to run for regent in the area. The house that Rakib looks after is no longer empty... #Autobiography pic.twitter.com/N1Oyf6TZe9

— KawanKawan Media (@KawanKawanMedia) November 15, 2021

Rakib sees Purna as the father figure he longs for, but an incident changes their perspective in seeing each other.

Set in a military post, Autobiography explores the relationship of two men inspired by Makbul's story with his father. He tries to be explicit but not too literal.

"I tried to encapsulate that feeling as honestly as possible, but the events or the dialogue scenes are of course different because they are influenced by the aesthetics of the cinema that I studied," Makbul explained.

Director Ruah explained that his father was a civil servant and always obeyed his superiors and his country. Seeing this, Makbul wonders about many things, including his father's obedience.

Kevin Ardilova as the main character was happy to play in this film. He also revealed that the Autobiography shooting process was very healthy, a maximum of 12 hours.

“So we have many opportunities to explore conversations between players, directors, and other divisions. From that excellent time, everyone worked on this film feeling good and happy,” explained Kevin.

Actor Lukman Sardi also said, "I'm happy to be in this project the story itself is important to make, isn't it, this character is important to make. Hopefully what is conveyed will be an afterthought.”

Produced by KawanKawan Media, Autobiography also stars Kevin Ardilova, Arswendy Bening Swara, Lukman Sardi, Yusuf Mahardika, Yudi Ahmad Tajudin, Haru Sandra, and the late Gunawan Maryanto.