Tag: critiques
A Tapestry of Dreams and Trauma: Unpacking Kamila Andini’s "Before, Now & Then (Nana)"
Main Facts "Before, Now & Then," originally titled Nana, is a critically acclaimed Indonesian drama film directed by Kamila Andini. Released in 2022, the film quickly garnered international attention for its evocative storytelling, stunning cinematography, and profound exploration of a woman’s internal world against the backdrop of a tumultuous historical period. Starring Happy Salma in […]
Navigating the Labyrinth of Malaysian Film Censorship: Insights from the Freedom Film Network Conference
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – In an era where digital platforms offer unprecedented access to global content, the conversation around film censorship remains acutely relevant, particularly in Southeast Asia. While audiences in countries like Indonesia might associate film censorship with familiar blurs, cuts, or the omnipresent "Budaya Sensor Mandiri" jingle, the experience in neighboring Malaysia reveals […]
Echoes of the Unspoken: "Smong Aceh" and the Complexities of Post-Tsunami Resilience Two Decades On
BANDA ACEH, Indonesia – Two decades after the catastrophic Indian Ocean tsunami swept across the western coast of Aceh, leaving an indelible scar on the land and its people, the narrative of recovery remains largely framed by a single, pervasive term: "resilience." This concept of unwavering fortitude has become a cornerstone of post-disaster reconstruction and […]
"Jumbo" Juggernaut: How an Animated Feature Conquered Hearts and Challenged Perceptions
JAKARTA, Indonesia – July 27, 2025 – In an era saturated with global blockbusters and digital distractions, an unassuming animated film titled "Jumbo" has defied expectations, quietly becoming a cultural phenomenon. Surpassing the ten-million viewer mark, this Visinema Pictures production has not only captivated audiences across Indonesia but has also ignited a profound critical re-evaluation […]
Panji Tengkorak: A Shadow Falls on Indonesia’s Animated Ambition Amidst Unrest and Global Giants
Jakarta, Indonesia – The highly anticipated animated feature, Panji Tengkorak, has reportedly faced a disheartening reception at the Indonesian box office, struggling to capture audience attention since its premiere on August 28, 2025. Despite emerging during a period of burgeoning local animation, the film, directed by Daryl Wilson and produced by Falcon Pictures and Kumata […]
"Panji Tengkorak": A Lament for a Homegrown Anti-Hero Amidst Box Office Struggles and Industry Crossroads
Jakarta, Indonesia – The Indonesian animated feature, Panji Tengkorak, has reportedly faced a dishearteningly cold reception since its release on August 28, 2025. Despite emerging in a burgeoning local animation scene, the film, directed by Daryl Wilson, garnered fewer than 17,000 viewers within its first three days and swiftly exited cinemas before completing a full […]