Indonesian Film ‘Marlina’ Triggers Discussion On Gender In Bristol Screening

Indonesian film Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts was featured during a special weeklong screening in Bristol, United Kingdom, where a discussion was also held on the sidelines of the event.

According to a statement from the Indonesian Embassy in London, which also coordinated the discussion on Monday, speakers emphasized the film’s role in triggering discussion on gender issues, which is illustrated through Marlina’s story in the film.

Hana Satriyo, a gender and women’s participation expert, in the discussion said the portrayal of Marlina in the film provided a look into the importance of understanding and implementation of gender-based policies, particularly to empower women.

“Marlina fought to maintain her integrity, however when she admitted responsibility for her actions, the local authorities are depicted as not handling the case properly,” Hana said, as quoted in the statement.

Directed by Mouly Surya, the movie tells the story of Marlina, a woman who leads a quiet life in Sumba until one day a man named Markus and his gang tries to rob her house and she eventually kills him.

Meanwhile, film expert Ekky Imanjaya, who earned a doctoral degree in film studies from East Anglia University, pointed out that the film celebrated the rapid development of the Indonesian film industry.

“Prior to reformation, there were only four female directors or producers in Indonesia’s film industry,” Ekky said, referring to Indonesia’s transitional political period in 1998. “It’s interesting how a woman’s story, directed by a woman, is filmed using a western-style backdrop, which is usually perceived as very masculine,” he added.

The Marlina special screening was held at Watershed, a media center in Bristol that has an emphasis on arthouse cinema.

The movie was previously first screened in the UK at the Glasgow Film Festival. In April, Marlina was screened in London during the East End Film Festival and at the British Film Institute, where director Mouly also attended a discussion.

Courtesy : Thejakartapost
Photo : Rappler

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