JAKARTA - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon appreciated the film War Kota directed by Mouly Surya. Not just an adaptation of classical literature, this work became an emotional bridge to the critical period of Indonesia a year after the proclamation.
He conveyed this while attending the gala premiere at XXI Epicentrum, Jakarta on Monday, April 21.
"This film is not only about art, but about collective wounds and courage to face unfinished historical memories," said Fadli in a written statement received by VOI on Tuesday, April 22.
Menbud assessed that this film was able to raise awareness of the history of the younger generation through an honest, emotional, and cinematic narrative approach.
The film War Kota is based on the legendary novel Jalan Tak Ada Ujung by Mochtar Lubis. Set in 1946, this film describes the trauma and unrest of the fighters left after independence was proclaimed. The film premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, and will be screened in Indonesian cinemas starting April 30, 2025. The film is also scheduled for release in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.
Fadli Zon salutes Mouly Surya and producers 'Chand Parwez, Rama Adi, and Fauzan Zidni' who have raised historical themes with a bold and classy approach. He called this film a strategic project that received support from the matching fund of the Ministry of Culture.
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"This matching fund is not just support for funds, but the state's commitment to liven up the nation's important narratives through a medium that can reach wider and deeper," explained Fadli.
The film War Kota stars Chicco Jerikho, Ariel Tatum, and Jerome Kurnia, who brings a love triangle story in the middle of the atmosphere of struggle to defend independence. This story combines inner conflict, love, and loyalty in the landscape of Jakarta which is hit by chaos.
This film is also the result of international collaboration between Indonesia, Singapore, the Netherlands, France, Norway, the Philippines, and Cambodia. The post-production process involved studios from France and the United States.
Furthermore, Fadli Zon emphasized that this film is not just a reflection of history, but also a tool to build collective awareness.
The film War Kota brings us to the question: "To what extent have we maintained independence which is fought for with blood and fear?" he said. He hopes that this film will not only fill the cinema room, but also the nation's memory space.
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