Tag: critiques
Navigating the Grey Zone: The Future of Film Censorship in Malaysia and Southeast Asia
When we hear the word "censorship," most of us conjure images of blurred television screens, abrupt cuts in theatrical releases, or the pre-film public service announcements that urge viewers toward "independent censorship" (Budaya Sensor Mandiri). In the Indonesian context, this is a familiar, albeit contested, ritual. However, across the border in Malaysia, the landscape of […]
The Meta-Cinematic Mirror: Deconstructing Romance and Industry in "Jatuh Cinta Seperti di Film-film"
In the landscape of contemporary Indonesian cinema, few films have managed to bridge the gap between technical experimentation and emotional intimacy as effectively as Yandy Laurens’ Jatuh Cinta Seperti di Film-film (2023). By positioning the act of filmmaking at the heart of its narrative, the film transcends the tropes of a standard romantic comedy, inviting […]
Beyond the Hype: Reevaluating Jumbo and the Power of the "Smart Kampung" Narrative
When the animated feature Jumbo began to fade from the marquee—having already crossed the threshold of ten million viewers—I finally decided to purchase a ticket. My initial reluctance was rooted in skepticism. I viewed the film as a product of over-marketing and excessive industry backing. In the current Indonesian landscape, where the stand-up comedy circuit […]
The Tragic Silence of the Skull: Analyzing the Box Office Collapse of Panji Tengkorak
In the landscape of Indonesian cinema, the year 2025 was supposed to be a watershed moment for local animation. Yet, the release of Panji Tengkorak—a project under Falcon Pictures—serves as a sobering case study in the volatility of the industry. Despite its pedigree as an iconic piece of Indonesian pop culture, the film vanished from […]
The Ascendant Narrative: Indonesian Cinema’s Diverse Journey to Global Recognition
Jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesian cinema is experiencing an unprecedented surge in international recognition, moving beyond sporadic triumphs to establish a consistent and diverse presence on the global stage. A recent collaborative research initiative between Cinema Poetica and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia reveals a significant upward trend in the visibility and […]
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 […]
