Inspired By The Hostage Rescue Mission In Indonesia, East Film Becomes Director Iko Uwais' Debut

Iko Uwais (ist)

JAKARTA - The production house Uwais Pictures is preparing to release two action films entitled Ikatan Darah dan Timur. The film Timur presents dramas and actions inspired by the mission to save hostages in Indonesia in 1996.

The film, produced by Ryan Santoso and Yentonius Jerriel Ho, marks Iko's directorial debut. Iko has long dreamed of establishing a production house with the team he has joined since entering the film industry.

"Uwais Pictures was founded because we want to produce quality action films. Action is not just the spice, but also the core of the film," said Iko in a media statement in Jakarta, Wednesday, January 22.

Iko will serve as Uwais Pictures leader with Ryan Santoso and Yentonius Jerriel Ho as executive producer leaders and Adamy Nurdin as chief operations.

"With the support system in Uwais Pictures, we believe the action films produced will have a big impact, including by introducing martial arts culture from Indonesia, one of which is pencak silat," said Iko.

He said that Uwais Pictures was run with collaborators with a focus on producing action films and expanding film distribution to the global market.

Uwais Pictures has completed the production of the big screen film Ikatan Darah dan Timur in 2024. The Blood Association tells the story of a former pencak silat athlete who has to face a network of loan sharks to save his brother who is in debt.

This film was directed by Sidharta Tata, which included making the films Time Maghrib (2023) and Ali Topan (2024) as well as the web series Perbetan the Series.