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Indonesian short film selected for Venice festival
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The Venice Film Festival's Orizzonti section is an international competition entered by a maximum of 18 films, dedicated to movies that represent the latest aesthetic and expressive trends in international cinema. (Shutterstock/-)
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ndonesian short film On the Origin of Fear has been included in the Orizzonti section of the 73rd Venice International Film Festival set to be held between Aug. 31 and Sept. 10 in the Italian city.
“In many events, it seems clear that violence and the reproduction of violence are part of our state’s monopoly rights,” said the movie's director and writer, Bayu Prihantoro Filemon, who hails from Yogyakarta, discussing the 12-minute film's background that is also his directorial debut. “It’s no exception if both the state and cinema collaborate in producing violence, terror and fear, under the name of history.”
The film is a directorial debut for Bayu, who previously worked as cinematographer for A Lady Caddy Who Never Saw a Hole in One, Vakansi yang Janggal dan Penyakit Lainnya (Failed Vacancy and Other Diseases) and Istirahatlah Kata-Kata (Take a Rest, Words).
The Orizzonti section is an international competition entered by a maximum of 18 films, dedicated to movies that represent the latest aesthetic and expressive trends in international cinema with special attention given to debut films, young talent, indie features and works that address specific genres.
(Read also: Indonesian short movie ‘Prenjak’ wins award at Cannes)
my film “On the Origin of Fear” will be in Venice International Film Fest 2016, in Orizzonti competition!https://t.co/tbehNaB5NK
— Bayu Prihantoro F (@bayuprihantoro) July 28, 2016
The film’s producers, Amerta Kusuma and Yulia Evina Bhara, said that the movie was their view of Indonesia’s history, which they perceive as having been deliberately blurred. It stems from trauma brought about by the reproduction of violence that can be found in a film routinely broadcast every Sept. 30 during the New Order era. On the Origin of Fear, which is a collaboration between KawanKawan Film, Limaenam Films and Partisipasi Indonesia, is one of four short films that were produced as comments on the repercussions of the 1965 killings.
Following the movie, the producers are hopeful that there will be room to discuss one of the gloomiest chapters in the archipelago’s modern history, one long considered taboo. “We hope there will be attempts to resolve [the killings] so that the young generation can face the future without repeating the same tragedy." (kes)
