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'Marlina' to represent Indonesia at 2019 Academy Awards
Indonesian film Marlina Si Pembunuh dalam Empat Babak (Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts) has been chosen to represent Indonesia in the nominee selection phase for the 2019 Academy Awards Best Foreign Language Film category.
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Marsha Timothy in 'Marlina The Murderer in Four Acts'. (marlinathemurderer.com/File)
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ndonesian film Marlina Si Pembunuh dalam Empat Babak (Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts), directed by Mouly Surya, has been chosen to represent Indonesia in the nominee selection phase for the 2019 Academy Awards Best Foreign Language Film category.
“Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts” is Indonesia’s submission to the Oscars!
“Marlina si Pembunuh dalam Empat Babak” menjadi submisi Indonesia ke Oscars! #MarlinaForTheOscars pic.twitter.com/PFMaEOBIiK
— Marlina si Pembunuh (@cinesurya) September 18, 2018As reported by kompas.com, the film was proposed by the 2019 Oscar selection committee for Indonesia, which is part of the Association of Indonesia Movie Production (PPFI) led by actress Christine Hakim. It was chosen out of 101 films.
Marlina's producer, Fauzan Zidni, who is also a member of the selection committee, told kompas.com that the committee did not make a selection based on the best film, but selected a film that was suitable for the Oscars. "We have never entered the top five [Oscar] of nominations. Not even the shortlist," he said, adding that despite being a member he was not allowed to vote for his own film.
Each country is only allowed to submit one film for the Best Foreign Language Film category. "We would have liked to submit two or three Indonesian films; at least more than one. Unfortunately, each country only can submit one film," said Christine during a press conference on Tuesday.
Around 90 films are to compete for the coveted title at the 2019 Academy Awards.
On Twitter, Mouly shared her happiness and gratitude regarding the news.
Read also: Indonesian film 'Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts' screens in US
"Very happy to hear the trust given to Marlina by the selection team and friends, as well as audience on social media, who since yesterday have been campaigning on Twitter using the hashtag #marlinafortheoscars," read the post on Tuesday.
— Mouly Surya (@moulysurya) September 18, 2018
"Marlina was released last year, however [we] still feel its presence until today; it evoked an incredible [feeling] and touched me [when] reading it. Hopefully this opportunity and support continues as a way for Marlina to represent Indonesia."
The movie follows a Sumbanese widow named Marlina (Marsha Timothy), who kills a man trying to rob her house. Marlina then takes the head of the robber to a police station.
Prior to its premiere in Indonesian cinemas on Nov. 16, 2017, the film was screened at various film festivals, including the 2017 Cannes and Toronto international film festivals. Marlina has also been distributed to 18 territories in the United States, Europe and Asia. In early 2018, the film graced the screens of American and Canadian theaters.
Among the many international awards received by the film include Best Scenario at the 11th Festival International du Film de Femmes de Salé (FIFFS) in Morocco, Asian Nest Wave from The QCinema Film Festival in the Philippines, NETPAC Jury Award at Five Flavours Asian Film Festival 2017 and Best Actress for Marsha at Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival. (kes)
