(Photo courtesy of Indonesian Film Festival)

The recent Indonesian film “Tiga Nafas Likas,” or “Likas’s Three Breaths,” starring Atiqah Hasiholan and Vino G. Bastian, kicked off the 10th edition of the Indonesian Film Festival on Thursday at the Australian Center for Moving Image in Melbourne.

Atiqah said it was a “happy and proud” moment as she returned to the festival as part of the cast.

“I went to Monash [a university in Melbourne] to study media and psychology, and I also attended the very first Indonesian Film Festival 10 years ago,” said Atiqah at the opening night.

Likas Tarigan, wife of the late army general Jamin Ginting, is a character close to her North Sumatran descent.

In the film, which had its run in Indonesian theaters October last year, Atiqah gives a broad range of performances as she portrays Likas at various ages. Director Rako Prijanto (“Sang Kiai,” “Malaikat Tanpa Sayap”) said he chose Atiqah to play Likas because he needed an actress with real sensitivity to the role.

The Likas movie is produced by Jamin’s second daughter, Riahna Jamin Ginting.

The “Three Breaths” in the title refers to three important people in Likas’s life: her mother, brother and husband, all of whom died before her.

Likas is 90 and currently lives in North Sumatra.

Rako said it was the Gintings’ intention to tell the story from their mother’s perspective.

(Photo courtesy of Indonesian Film Festival)

As a filmmaker, Rako felt it was the right decision because the female perspective has led to much success in local cinemas.

“Most Indonesian box office hits, such as ‘Ada Apa Dengan Cinta’ and ‘Petualangan Sherina,’ are all told from the female perspective,” he said.

For Said Fakri and Urianto Al Himawan, who attended the opening night, the film festival brings a piece of home to their new routines as students at Monash University in Melbourne.

“Because it is held in Melbourne, and seen by both Indonesians and foreigners, this film festival can strengthen relationship between Indonesia and Australia,” Said said.

“[Likas] is certainly a kind of story that I like from Indonesian films, it’s quite emotional and full of life lessons, from parenting, child education and relationship between husband and wife,” Urianto said.

The film festival brings 10 Indonesian films for its 10th anniversary. After “Likas,” moviegoers in Melbourne will be treated to recent films such as “Di Balik 98,” “7/24,” “Kapan Kawin,” “Siti,” “Tes Nyali,” “Tabula Rasa,” “Love & Faith,” “Angker” and the award-winning documentary “Jalanan” as the closing film on April 18.

Indonesian consul general Dewi Savitri Wahab said contemporary Indonesian films are interesting as they reflect the impact of economic growth in Indonesia.

“For example, in the movie ‘Kapan Kawin,’ marriage is no longer a priority for independent Indonesian women,” she said.

Among the festival guests are notable Indonesian actors Lukman Sardi, Chelsea Islan, Feby Febiola and Laura Basuki.

The festival is organized by the non profit IFF and the Indonesian Student Association (PPIA). The festival also hosts acting classes and meet and greets.

The film festival is one among many activities for the Indonesian community in Melbourne.

PPIA is known for its cultural agenda, from the occasional food market and rock concert to traditional dance shows.

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Source: The Jakarta Globe