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Legendary Indonesian filmmaker Usmar Ismail featured on Google Doodle
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Usmar's 'Darah dan Doa' (The Long March of Siliwangi), which was produced in 1950, marked the first film made by Indonesia as an independent country. (Google Doodle via Kompas.com/File)
G
oogle Doodle on Tuesday is celebrating Usmar Ismail's 97th birthday, by featuring the late Indonesian filmmaker on the search engine's homepage.
Born in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra on Mar. 20, 1921, Usmar forged a career as a prolific director, making more than 30 films over the course of his life.
Among his creations are Pedjuang (Warrior), released in 1960, Enam Djam di Djogja (Six Hours in Yogja) in 1956 and Tiga Dara (Three Girls) also in 1956, the animation of which is featured on the Doodle icon.
Usmar's Darah dan Doa (The Long March of Siliwangi), which was produced in 1950, marked the first film made by Indonesia as an independent country.
The first day of shooting of the film, which was March 30, is now officially celebrated as National Film Day, a move that was initiated by Indonesia's third president, BJ Habibie, along with the National Film Council.
Read also: National Film Day to celebrate diversity
Together with Asrul Sani, Usmar established the Indonesian National Theater Academy (ATNI) in 1955, which became the first arts institution in Jakarta.
Usmar passed away on Jan. 2, 1971 at the age of 49 due to a stroke, according to kompas.com.
The Haji Usmar Ismail Film Center building located in Jakarta was erected in memory of the filmmaker. A second building, Usmar Ismail Hall, is also named after the prominent figure and is still in use today as a concert venue for opera, musical performances and theater. (liz/kes)
