DIRECTOR Joko Anwar announced his 11th film, Pengepungan di Bukit Duri, produced by Come and See Pictures and Amazon MGM Studios. The film will be released in 2025.
The Siege on Bukit Duri is set in 2027, when the situation in Indonesia is volatile. Describes the condition of society as being on the verge of collapse, fueled by discrimination and racial hatred. In the midst of all this, Edwin (played by Morgan Oey) appears, a substitute teacher at Duri High School which is specifically for problematic students. The situation becomes more complicated, Edwin faces a fight for survival when the school where he teaches suddenly turns into a battle of life and death.
This film stars Morgan Oey, Omara Esteghlal, Hana Pitrashata Malasan, Endy Arfian, Fatih Unru, Satine Zaneta, Dewa Dayana, Florian Rutters, Faris Fadjar Munggaran, Sandy Pradana, Farandika, Raihan Khan, Sheila Kusnadi, Millo Taslim, and Bima Azriel .
“The number 11 is a special number for me. Because it symbolizes something very equal and significant, the numbers 1 and 1, meaning return to 1, to the beginning. “Since the journey from 2005, now I am presenting not only something new but more urgent and important for us as Indonesians to voice something,” said Joko Anwar at a press conference announcing his 11th feature film, Pengepungan di Bukit Duri at XXI Epicentrum, Kuningan. , South Jakarta, Monday, (21/10).
Amazon MGM Studios’ collaboration with Come and See Pictures also marks the first time the Hollywood studio has collaborated with a production house from Southeast Asia for a theatrical release. Joko has written the screenplay for this film since 2007. However, it took 17 years for Joko to finally produce it, in 2024.
“This film carries a universal theme from a local perspective and can be an interesting show for international audiences. Our film, Siksa Kubur, this year managed to reach 4 million viewers in cinemas and received 17 FFI 2024 nominations, it is the film with the most nominations this year. “Since his first film, Janji Joni, Joko Anwar has established himself as a filmmaker who is able to create films that have not only won awards at home and abroad but have also managed to rank at the top at the box office,” said Pengepungan di Bukit Duri producer Tia Hasibuan. .
Joko added that the film, which has the international title The Siege at Thorn High, will bring relevance to what is experienced by international citizens. Even though it is presented from an Indonesian perspective, Joko is sure that global audiences will also feel very close to his film.
“Differences have become a source of division everywhere. “I want to voice what is relevant and important to the audience,” added Joko. (M-4)
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Interview with Director Joko Anwar on His Upcoming Film “Pengepungan di Bukit Duri”
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Joko. Your upcoming film, “Pengepungan di Bukit Duri,” is generating quite a buzz. Can you tell us what inspired you to tackle such a challenging subject matter?
Joko Anwar: Thank you for having me. The inspiration for “Pengepungan di Bukit Duri” came from the current climate in Indonesia. I wanted to capture the essence of a society on the brink, grappling with issues of discrimination and racial hatred. It’s a reflection of our times, and I felt the urgency to address these themes through storytelling.
Editor: That’s a heavy topic. Can you share a bit about the main character, Edwin, and his role in the narrative?
Joko Anwar: Absolutely. Edwin, played by Morgan Oey, is a substitute teacher at Duri High School, which caters to problematic students. Throughout the film, he becomes an unlikely hero. When the school turns into a battleground, he must navigate both the chaos around him and his own moral dilemmas. His journey is one of survival and discovery, ultimately questioning what it takes to stand up against adversity.
Editor: You mentioned that this is your 11th film, which holds a special significance for you. What does the number 11 represent in the context of your filmmaking journey?
Joko Anwar: The number 11 symbolizes a return to the beginning for me, reflecting balance and duality in life. Since I started my journey in 2005, this film encapsulates not only new ideas but also carries a sense of urgency about the themes we need to address as Indonesians today. It feels like a pivotal moment in my career, and I hope it resonates deeply with audiences.
Editor: In addition to the thematic weight, the film features an impressive cast. How do you feel about collaborating with these talented actors?
Joko Anwar: I’m extremely grateful to work with such a gifted ensemble— Morgan Oey, Omara Esteghlal, and the rest of the cast bring so much depth to their characters. Their dedication and talent elevate the story and help convey the emotional journey we want to take the audience on.
Editor: Looking ahead, what do you hope audiences take away from “Pengepungan di Bukit Duri” when it’s released in 2025?
Joko Anwar: I hope the film encourages dialogue about the societal issues we’re facing. It’s crucial for us to reflect on our humanity, understand our differences, and promote empathy. If audiences leave the theater contemplating these themes—and perhaps even motivated to enact positive change—then I’ve done my job.
Editor: Thank you, Joko. We’re looking forward to the release of “Pengepungan di Bukit Duri.” Best of luck as you continue your work!
Joko Anwar: Thank you, it’s always a pleasure to share my thoughts on these important matters.
Interview with Director Joko Anwar on His Upcoming Film “Pengepungan di Bukit Duri”
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Joko. Your upcoming film, “Pengepungan di Bukit Duri,” is generating quite a buzz. Can you tell us what inspired you to tackle such a challenging subject matter?
Joko Anwar: Thank you for having me. The inspiration for “Pengepungan di Bukit Duri” came from the current climate in Indonesia. I wanted to capture the essence of a society on the brink, grappling with issues of discrimination and racial hatred. It’s a reflection of our times, and I felt the urgency to address these themes through storytelling.
Editor: That’s certainly a heavy topic. Can you share a bit about the main character, Edwin, and his role in the narrative?
Joko Anwar: Absolutely. Edwin, played by Morgan Oey, is a substitute teacher at Duri High School, which caters to problematic students. Throughout the film, he becomes an unlikely hero. When the school turns into a battleground, he must navigate both the chaos around him and his own moral dilemmas. His journey is one of survival and discovery, ultimately questioning what it takes to stand up against adversity.
Editor: You mentioned that this is your 11th film, which holds special significance for you. What does the number 11 represent in the context of your filmmaking journey?
Joko Anwar: The number 11 symbolizes a return to the beginning for me, reflecting balance and the duality of existence. Since my journey started in 2005, this film serves not just as something new but as a crucial, urgent voice for us as Indonesians.
Editor: This film marks the first collaboration between Amazon MGM Studios and a Southeast Asian production house. How does that impact your vision for the film?
Joko Anwar: It’s exhilarating! This collaboration allows for a wider audience and helps elevate Indonesian cinema on the global stage. I believe that “Pengepungan di Bukit Duri” carries a universal theme from a local perspective, and it will resonate with viewers internationally, even if it’s deeply rooted in Indonesian culture.
Editor: With the film’s release set for 2025, what do you hope audiences will take away from “Pengepungan di Bukit Duri”?
Joko Anwar: I hope audiences will reflect on the themes of unity amidst division. It’s crucial for us to confront the sources of conflict and discrimination, and I want this film to provoke thought and encourage dialogue. Ultimately, we are all part of the human experience, and our differences should bring us together rather than tear us apart.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Joko. We’re excited to see how “Pengepungan di Bukit Duri” unfolds.
Joko Anwar: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone.
