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View all search resultsIs the box office hit 'Ngeri Ngeri Sedap' the next classic Batak opera?
The Batak-focused dramedy delivers a powerful statement to the country's film industry: that stories about the minorities can sell cinema tickets without conforming to the preference of the majority.
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T
he Batak-focused dramedy delivers a powerful statement to the country's film industry: that stories about minorities can sell cinema tickets without conforming to the preference of the majority.
Shock and awe was in the air when The Jakarta Post had an in-person sit-down with the cast and crew of Ngeri Ngeri Sedap on June 17. The ensemble had just celebrated the film drawing more than 1.5 million audience members in the two weeks since its theatrical premiere -- making it (as of this article’s publication) the fourth-most successful feature film in Indonesia, besting major studios' outings such as Dear Nathan: Thank You Salma and Merindu Cahaya de Amstel.
No one had expected such commercial success, let alone the creative people behind the film itself.
"It wasn't about realizing a magnificent or spectacular dream -- let alone making a film that would end up as successful as this. My intention to make this film was sincere: this is a tribute to my family, my extended clan and the Batak tribe," asserted the film's director and screenwriter, Bene Dion Rajagukguk.
Produced by Dipa Andika, Ngeri Ngeri Sedap stars Arswendy Beningswara Nasution (Eliana, Eliana) and Tika Panggabean (Selesai) in lead roles. Rounding up the supporting cast are Boris Bokir Manullang (Toba Dreams), Gita Bhebhita Butar-Butar (Susah Sinyal), Lolox (Comic 8: Casino Kings Part 1) and Indra Jegel (the upcoming Satria Dewa: Gatotkaca). The film was released in theatres in Indonesia on June 2.
A Batak convention
