Featuring 106 films from 29 different countries, the 9th Annual Bali International Film Festival (aka Balinale) took place last week. The featured works not only upheld the “international” part of the festival with entries from as far afield as Austria, Iran, Poland, and Mexico, but also nearly doubled the number of films shown at last year’s edition.
The theme of the 9th Balinale was ‘Face of Diversity’ with the aim of presenting films that, according to a festival press release, “entertain and inspire, challenge and expose us to the rich diversity and uniqueness of people, places, cultures and beliefs.” The film that most exemplified this, “Cambodian Son”, was given the Face of Diversity Award.
The film by Masahiro Sugano, who was in attendance when his film screened at the Cinemaxx Theater in Kuta’s Lippo Mall, is the deeply emotional story of Kosal Khiev. Khiev emigrated/fled to the US as a small child and, after a troubled youth that included gang activity, ended up serving fourteen years in prison for attempted murder. While in prison, he began to write poetry and after his release and subsequent deportation to his country of birth (not the one he considers home), has become a popular, seemingly influential, and in every way powerful spoken word performer.
Among the other films that received awards were “About A Woman” by Teddy Soeriaamadja (Best Indonesian Feature); “Chemo”, a Polish film by Bartosz Prokopowicz (Best International Feature); and “Frackman”, an Australian film by Richard Todd (Best Documentary). The Best Overall Film award was earned by “Me and Earl and The Dying Girl” an American film by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon.
“Chemo,” winner of Best International Feature accepted by lead actress Agnieszka Zulewska. Photo courtesy of Balinale
On the last evening of the festival, Coconuts Bali had the good fortune to take in one of several quality Indonesian films that were featured throughout. “Bidadari Terakhir” (The Last Angel) is an endearing tale of a studious young man who falls in love with a beautiful prostitute named Eva. The girl is only working as such to pay for her mother’s hospital bills. No spoilers here but the ending is both sad and beautiful and the film’s use of Balikpapan as both setting and character of its own gives a depth that escapes much of Indonesian cinema.
As an added bonus, the star of the film, former Miss Universe contestant, and generally stunning Whulandry Herman who played Eva was in attendance. A couple days after Balinale, Coconuts Bali caught up with Herman, who goes by Whulan to ask about her acting debut and experience at Balinale.
Bidadari Terakhir “was my very first movie [so] I’m a newcomer and still learning,” Whulan said. “I had a great time [at Balinale], it was the right place for filmmakers to meet each other. I met some from Poland and London which was a great opportunity.” She went on to say how “Bali is a great combination of culture, a place you can feel at home, and the people are very welcoming!”
On her somewhat edgy role as a prostitute, one which she clearly grew into as the film progressed, Whulan said “I felt nervous of course… and I kept asked my director [Awi Suryadi] ‘Can I do this?’ like a hundred times. Thank God he’s the best person and supported me so much.”
Cakra Buana team. Photo courtesy of Massimo Bu
While Bidadari Terakhir is certainly made for a general audience, one film that could be placed into the ‘Art House’ category was a “Cakra Buana” written, produced, and directed by the Italian-born and American-educated Massimo Burhanuddin. “Cakra Buana” is a musical entirely in the Sundanese language of West Java.
Massimo chose to submit “Cakra Buana” to Balinale because he “wanted to have a mix[ed] audience, both foreign and Indonesian.” But it was also somewhat personal, “A movie that I was involved [with] got in Balinale 2014, but I wasn’t invited by the production company at the time. That is one of the small reason[s] why I submitted to Balinale [this year], to prove to that production company that I [can] go independently to Balinale with my independent film.”
BIDADARI TERAKHIR directed by Awi Suryadi presents a special screening with lead actress Whulandary Herman. Photo courtesy of Balinale
While Massimo was somewhat disappointed that the event wasn’t better promoted throughout the island, he said “I had a great time at the festival! I met great fans and filmmakers! What made me very happy was spending my time with my cast and crew… I will always cherish the time we were together in Bali.”
Balinale seems to be one of the island’s premier events as well as one of its most professionally run. Apart from its screenings the festival also runs workshops and seminars alongside partners like the US Embassy and Australian Consulate to promote and support the Indonesian film industry. A noble purpose to be sure and one that deserves the public’s support when the Balinale marks its first decade next year.
Photos at the top: Instagram @smelllikehome (L), Balinale (R)
