I

f you are a self-proclaimed film buff and wish to make a movie of your own, maybe it’s time to get inspired.

A total of eight short films are being screened as part of the LA Lights Indie movie festival along with other flicks featured in the Indonesia International Fantastic Film Festival (iNAFF) at Blitz Megaplex on different days until Nov. 28.

Directed by four celebrities — Raffi Ahmad, Marsha Timothy, Cathy Sharon and Ariyo Wahab — and four finalists from Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Bandung and Jakarta — all of the short films were made based on short stories by outstanding writers.

Can the celebrities make films?

Actor and presenter Raffi Ahmad said he gave it his best, since he previously did not have the guts to make a film. His confidence grew when he learned that a number of workshops and experienced filmmakers would help him learn how to make a movie from scratch.

“To tell the truth, I had never learned about directing movies. But after this experience, I will be glad to grab another chance when it comes,” he said.

Raffi directed thriller movie Barbie, which was adapted from a short story of the same title by author Clara NG.

The story opens with an old song performed by Yuni Shara, Raffi’s real life girlfriend who plays a singer known as Barbie in a club. Each of her performances is enjoyed by security guard Bonte, a secret admirer who expresses his love by beating up men who want to bother Barbie.  

A rare opportunity comes for Bonte when the love of his life asks him out. In a rush, he goes the extra mile to look decent on the important day but ends up being furious upon finding out that Barbie is mocking him in front of his friends.

Every actor and actress in the short films tried to put their signature on their work.

Cathy Sharon gave an entertaining touch to her film, thanks to a good performance by Aming.

“This film was supposed to be a drama, but somehow it became a satire comedy in my hands,” Cathy said with a smile.

Marsha, the lead actress in thriller Forbidden Door, also deserves attention. Her first Indie movie, titled Naruto Bersyukur (Grateful Naruto), might not make you laugh or cry but it tries to give you food for thought.  

The film centers around a father who wants to hold a thanksgiving celebration but does not have the right reason to invite neighbors and relatives until his son Timur finishes a Japanese game on Naruto.

Although some of the early alternate scenes may be confusing, Marsha managed to use them as the ultimate tool to deliver the film’s climax.

“Directing movies is hard but I gave it a shot,” she said. Garin Nugroho, producer of the four films directed by the celebrities, said the annual event, which featured a number of workshops on filmmaking, was expected to give firsthand experience that would be continued by the next works.

“This workshop doesn’t give a big space for you. You have to create the opportunity by yourself,” he said.

Movie stars, he said, had the potential to become directors since they indirectly pick up directing knowledge when they are part of the filmmaking process.

Other entertainer, Ariyo Wahab, shared his new passion in film and set to prepare a film script to make a movie next year.

“Hopefully, his films will not be about horror and sex, which have flooded our market,” Garin said.