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Shot-on-smartphone films give rise to cinematic access, talents
An increasing number of films have been shot on smartphones in the last decade as digital camera technology continues to advance in leaps and bounds. While some filmmakers see it as a promotional gimmick, others look to it as the future of film in the making.
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Expanding scope: The production crew of 'Paket Terakhir' (The Last Package) said that shooting the film using only smartphones presented technical challenges as well as creative opportunities. (JP/Courtesy of Haryono Putra)
W
hen filmmaker Angga Dwimas Sasongko, of 2020’s semi-hits Generasi 90an: Melankolia (‘90s Generation: Melancholy) and Story of Kale: When Someone’s in Love, announced in April that his next project was for Samsung and would feature Dian Sastrowardoyo and Reza Rahadian, moviegoers took notice.
And the reaction wasn’t just because the project involved two beloved Indonesian stars, but also for a trailer of such cinematic clarity that it was hard to believe the movie was shot entirely on a smartphone. At least, that was what the promotional materials suggested.
No gimmick
Angga’s new project manifested as Konfabulasi (Confabulation), a short film released on May 5 on the Samsung Indonesia YouTube channel. Konfabulasi is about a heist, and introduces Reza Rahadian as a hit man training nonstop to be merciless. The problem is, he is a moral being with a sense of filial piety drawn from his love for his mother.
In the comments below, many viewers posted variations of “This was shot on a smartphone?” in a testament to both the quality of the smartphone camera and the craftsmanship of the 36-year-old director.
His reaction to such a reception?
“Eh, it’s alright,” Angga chuckled during a Zoom interview with The Jakarta Post on May 11. He explained that using a smartphone to shoot a movie was no big deal: The gadget was just another tool at his disposal.
