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ilm director and screenwriter Benni Setiawan recently lifted the best screenwriter award at the Piala Citra (Citra Award) with his film Masih Bukan Cinta Biasa (Still Not an Ordinary Love). The family drama was a sequel to Bukan Cinta Biasa (Not an Ordinary Love). He previously won the best director category for romantic drama 3 Hati 2 Dunia 1 Cinta (Three Hearts, Two Worlds, One Love), which also garnered several other awards, including best actress, best actor and best supporting actor.

Benni is preparing his upcoming movie, which will be titled Pesan Sang Jenderal (The General’s Message) subtitled Aku Ingin Jadi Presiden (I Want to Become President). Set in Pacitan, East Java, the film will talk about a child who admires the late Gen. Sudirman. It will feature prominent actor Alex Komang and new faces of children who live in Pacitan.

Benni says the books and poems of late poet W.S. Rendra inspired him to become a writer.

The Famous Five

When I was a little kid, I was deeply influenced by the series of Lima Sekawan (The Famous Five). They made me an imaginative kid. I read almost all of the series. I still remember the first book, which is Lima Sekawan di Pulau Harta Karun (The Famous Five in a Treasure Island). Sometimes I read them again because I never get bored with them. I would spend a lot of time in the public library in Bogor, where my aunt worked, reading the books.

Kho Ping Ho’ silat (martial arts) series

The books of Asmaraman Sukowati (popularly known as Kho Ping Ho) have also enriched my imagination. I could clearly picture the martial arts movements in the books. Most importantly, I learned a lot of things about the philosophies of life.

The Stranger

This novel by Albert Camus talks about how a character becomes a stranger in his own environment. I feel attracted to Camus’ way of telling the story and his language style.

— As told to Indah Setiawati