Seperti Dendam, Rindu Harus Dibayar Tuntas Wins Golden Leopard, Locarno's Main Award

Footage in the scene Like Revenge, Longing Must be Paid Completely (Instagram/@LikeDendamFilm)

JAKARTA - Vengeance Is Mine, All Others Pay Cash or Seperti Dendam, Rindu Harus Dibayar Tuntas, won the Locarno International Film Festival's main award, Golden Leopard.

Seperti Dendam, Rindu Harus Dibayar Tuntas focuses on the story of a man named Ajo Kawir -- played by Marthino Lio, a hero with devil-like guts. Ajo Kawir is struggling with erectile dysfunction.

Adapted from the epic novel by Eka Kurniawan of the same title, this film also raises criticism about the trap of masculinity. The composition of the players is interesting, with a mix of newcomers and experienced actors.

Apart from Marthino Lio, this project also involves Ladya Cheryl (Iteung), Sal Priadi (Gecko), Reza Rahadian (Budi Baik), and Ratu Felisha (Jelita). Seperti Dendam, Rindu Harus Dibayar Tuntas produced by four Asian and European studios.

Palari Films from Indonesia, Phoenix Films and E&W Film (Singapore), and Match Factory Productions from Germany. The executive producers of this project are Natasha Sidharta & Kaninga Pictures.

Eka Kurniawan himself was involved in writing the screenplay with Edwin. In this 74th edition of Locarno, Seperti Dendam, Rindu Harus Dibayar Tuntas, it is indeed positively welcomed. Since its premiere, the film has been highly praised.

In this world's oldest film festival -- started in 1946, Seperti Dendam, Rindu Harus Dibayar Tuntas competes with a number of big titles, one of which is Zeros and Ones, the latest work of Ethan Hawke.

The last time, in 2019, the film that won the Golden Leopard was Vitalina Varela, by director Pedro Costa. Meanwhile, Beckett, a film starring John David Washington and Alicia Vikander was the opening act.