Mira Lesmana: ‘I wish I could get people to be more tolerant and accepting’
The Jakarta Post -- WEEKENDER | Thu, 11/20/2008 2:59 PM |
Producer Mira Lesmana was in “happy holiday mood” in early October when she visited Bali during the run of Laskar Pelangi (Rainbow Warriors). Adapted from Andrea Hirata’s best-selling book, the story of a group of school friends growing up in rural Belitung has packed theaters nationwide – yet another success for the founder of Miles Productions. With good friend director Riri Riza she has created some of the best movies of contemporary Indonesian cinema, from Petualangan Sherina to Ada Apa Dengan Cinta?, Eliana Eliana, Gie and Tiga Hari Untuk Selamanya. The daughter of jazz musician Jack Lesmana and wife of actor Mathias Muchus has made a name for herself, but she agrees it’s still a man’s world. “When I started there were a lot more men [on the set],” says the mother of two. “But I’m in it, and I’m always being accepted and respected by my male colleagues. They don’t treat me as a different species, but as a filmmaker.”
Childhood ambition?
I wanted to be a scientist. Actually, two things, it was between a scientist and a detective. Because I wanted to read a lot of books.
Your best trait?
I’m very straightforward and open.
And worst?
I’m stubborn. One is enough. I think I have plenty.
People would be surprised to know that ...
I can cook. My favorite is roast chicken for the kids, but my spaghetti tuna is very good. My son says my fried rice is incomparable to any others out there. I don’t use sweet soy sauce but more Kikkoman. And chili of course.
I value most in my friends ...
The togetherness. And the fact that when you’re down they lift you up. They fill your empty spaces. I guess the cheesy way of saying it is they complete you.
The craziest thing I’ve done ...
The closest thing I can think of was making a film when nobody was making films. People said, “What are you doing? Nobody is going to watch this”, when I was making Kuldesac and Petualangan Sherina. Also, I always wanted to climb mountains from the age of 12 but my mother wouldn’t let me do it. And then making a film, Gie, gave me the opportunity. At the age of 40, I climbed Mt. Pangrango in the Mandalawangi valley and I cried when I reached the top. I called my mom to tell her. And she said, “I’m glad you made it.”
I would never ....
Neglect my family and never stop making films.
My perfect day ....
Lying on the beach or by the pool, sunbathing and reading a good book. And just swim and swim and swim.
I’m still working on ...
Stopping smoking. And to clean up the mess in my working area at home. It is in a bad way.
My movies represent ...
My thoughts, my restlessness, whatever I think needs to be said that hasn’t been said.
Who is more important to you, the audience or critics?
For me, the audience is very important. But every filmmaker needs a good critic to get a different point of view. That is if the critic really knows what they are writing about. Both are important.
My favorite material possessions ...
My iPod and books. I have bags but I don’t really think about them. And my comfortable shoes that allow me to go wherever I want.
I am proudest as an Indonesian ...
Of [the country’s] beauty, diversity and variety. I think I’m very proud of the people who actually love their country and try to do something about it. They’re not that many, but there are some.
And saddened by ....
The corruption, definitely. And that people neglect the two things that we need the most, education and social welfare. Without those two things, people really can’t understand other problems, like global warming.
Favorite place to visit?
So far it’s Gili Trawangan, because I love snorkeling and the beach. But my next destination is Komodo.
Favorite movie?
I have to say, sorry, but it’s Star Wars. Maybe because it was one of the films that made me decide to become a filmmaker. It blew me off my feet. I wanted to be inside the screen. It’s exciting, romantic, good and bad. I also love Alan Parker’s The Wall.
And musicians?
U2, and also Coldplay are on my top list. They’re very creative, their music suits me at all times. But when I’m in a bad mood, then it’s Fiona Apple.
If you could change one thing about the world?
I’m not sure if I could change the world, but as an Indonesian I would really love to change the way people see things. People are so narrow-minded, that if I can get them to be more tolerant and accepting it would be good.
People who inspired you?
My dad, number one. He enjoyed his life very much, and playing his music, teaching his students. Bono inspires me (laughs). And Martin Luther King.
Do you have regrets?
I’d be lying if I say I don’t but it’s not something I get miserable about. I think regrets are something we need to learn from.
Your life motto?
I read something in a book that I like to quote: Honesty is the best policy, but insanity is the best defense.
+Bruce Emond
Illustration by Martin Dima
I wanted to be a scientist. Actually, two things, it was between a scientist and a detective. Because I wanted to read a lot of books.
Your best trait?
I’m very straightforward and open.
And worst?
I’m stubborn. One is enough. I think I have plenty.
People would be surprised to know that ...
I can cook. My favorite is roast chicken for the kids, but my spaghetti tuna is very good. My son says my fried rice is incomparable to any others out there. I don’t use sweet soy sauce but more Kikkoman. And chili of course.
I value most in my friends ...
The togetherness. And the fact that when you’re down they lift you up. They fill your empty spaces. I guess the cheesy way of saying it is they complete you.
The craziest thing I’ve done ...
The closest thing I can think of was making a film when nobody was making films. People said, “What are you doing? Nobody is going to watch this”, when I was making Kuldesac and Petualangan Sherina. Also, I always wanted to climb mountains from the age of 12 but my mother wouldn’t let me do it. And then making a film, Gie, gave me the opportunity. At the age of 40, I climbed Mt. Pangrango in the Mandalawangi valley and I cried when I reached the top. I called my mom to tell her. And she said, “I’m glad you made it.”
I would never ....
Neglect my family and never stop making films.
My perfect day ....
Lying on the beach or by the pool, sunbathing and reading a good book. And just swim and swim and swim.
I’m still working on ...
Stopping smoking. And to clean up the mess in my working area at home. It is in a bad way.
My movies represent ...
My thoughts, my restlessness, whatever I think needs to be said that hasn’t been said.
Who is more important to you, the audience or critics?
For me, the audience is very important. But every filmmaker needs a good critic to get a different point of view. That is if the critic really knows what they are writing about. Both are important.
My favorite material possessions ...
My iPod and books. I have bags but I don’t really think about them. And my comfortable shoes that allow me to go wherever I want.
I am proudest as an Indonesian ...
Of [the country’s] beauty, diversity and variety. I think I’m very proud of the people who actually love their country and try to do something about it. They’re not that many, but there are some.
And saddened by ....
The corruption, definitely. And that people neglect the two things that we need the most, education and social welfare. Without those two things, people really can’t understand other problems, like global warming.
Favorite place to visit?
So far it’s Gili Trawangan, because I love snorkeling and the beach. But my next destination is Komodo.
Favorite movie?
I have to say, sorry, but it’s Star Wars. Maybe because it was one of the films that made me decide to become a filmmaker. It blew me off my feet. I wanted to be inside the screen. It’s exciting, romantic, good and bad. I also love Alan Parker’s The Wall.
And musicians?
U2, and also Coldplay are on my top list. They’re very creative, their music suits me at all times. But when I’m in a bad mood, then it’s Fiona Apple.
If you could change one thing about the world?
I’m not sure if I could change the world, but as an Indonesian I would really love to change the way people see things. People are so narrow-minded, that if I can get them to be more tolerant and accepting it would be good.
People who inspired you?
My dad, number one. He enjoyed his life very much, and playing his music, teaching his students. Bono inspires me (laughs). And Martin Luther King.
Do you have regrets?
I’d be lying if I say I don’t but it’s not something I get miserable about. I think regrets are something we need to learn from.
Your life motto?
I read something in a book that I like to quote: Honesty is the best policy, but insanity is the best defense.
+Bruce Emond
Illustration by Martin Dima
Back to The top page
