“[It’s like] a rehearsal while we’re preparing the film to be watched by Indonesian audiences,” said director Yosep Anggi Noen in a press release on Wednesday. “Every festival has its own uniqueness and artistic choices, so what we can do is trying to make a film with honesty just like what Wiji Thukul had done through his poems.”

Meanwhile, producer Yulia Evina Bhara said she was very happy that the announcement coincided with Independence Day. "It's a simple movie about a very ordinary person who made an extraordinary contribution to our democracy; these are the stories that we must share to the young generation. Hopefully this film can make us sit together and discuss, not only about the movie but also to reflect on our history and journey as a nation,” she said.

(Read also: Wiji Thukul mesmerizes Swiss Audience)

Indonesian films that have competed in the festival include Impian Kemarau (The Rainmaker) by Ravi Bharwani, Postcard from the Zoo by Edwin, Bermula dari A (Starting with A) by BW. Purbanegara, Halaman Belakang (The Backyard) by Yusuf Raja Muda, and Shelter by Ismail Basbeth. Prominent director Riri Riza has also been invited as a judge in the competition.

In addition to Istirahatlah Kata-Kata, Arie Surastio's The Traveling Period is also included in the short film competition. Meanwhile a film co-produced by Indonesia and Malaysia, Interchange, will be screened during the After Midnight session.

Istirahatlah Kata-Kata narrates a story about missing Indonesian poet Wiji Thukul during his escape to Pontianak, West Kalimantan, in 1996. The film's cast includes Gunawan Maryanto, Marissa Anita, Melanie Subono, Eduwart Manalu and Arswendy Nasution. (kes)

(Read also: Wiji Thukul from Solo to Locarno)

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