Indonesian Martial Arts Film ‘The Tiger’ Aims for Global Stage
“The Tiger,” a thrilling Indonesian martial arts drama, is making its market debut at the inaugural JAFF Market, held alongside the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) from December 3-5. The film showcases the traditional silat martial art style known as pamacan, captured in a story aiming to bring Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage to a global audience.
A Tale of Tradition, Family, and Conflict
The film, directed by Ardiansah Sulistiana, centers on a family of silat practitioners in West Java. Their secret tiger-style martial art is accidentally exposed through a viral video, throwing their lives into turmoil. This unforeseen exposure sparks conflict with an outsider determined to claim their heritage, forcing the family to fight for their tradition and legacy.
Embracing Regional Identity for Global Appeal
“Cultural diversity has its own unique appeal, and many Indonesian filmmakers are now creating regional films, even using local languages,” says Sulistiana. “This trend has proven successful, with many films attracting millions of viewers due to the fresh themes they present.”
Producer Aris Nugraha sees the film’s regional specificity as its strength. “This film is about the silat martial arts tradition in a region of Garut, West Java. This makes ‘The Tiger’ a local film, but I want to adapt it to be embraced globally,” says Nugraha, highlighting their ambition to bridge cultural divides.
Authenticity Through Cinematic Craft
The film, primarily shot in Sundanese, utilizes captivating cinematography to bring the story to life. Close-up shots highlight the intricacies of silat movements, while wide shots capture the breathtaking landscapes of Garut. The filmmakers aim to immerse viewers in the world of the film, showcasing both the beauty and intensity of Indonesian culture.
Strategic Market Debut and Future Plans
Co-producer Ari Rusyadi views the timing of the JAFF Market debut as strategic. “We’re looking for distributors and exhibitors for the release of this film. At JAFF Market forum, we’re hoping for chances to meet and discuss directly with companies that would partner on distribution or even bring the film closer to audiences through OTT [streaming] or theatrical release, and maybe festival circulation too,” Rusyadi explains.
The film’s development reflects broader trends in Indonesian cinema, with Rusyadi noting the industry’s increased access to resources. “The access to expertise, knowledge and equipment has increased. With meticulous and persevering effort from filmmakers nowadays, we should overcome the global challenges,” he says.
Acknowledging the challenges of taking regional stories to a global audience, Nugraha underlines Indonesia’s potential: “Indonesia has a rich diversity of traditions, regional languages, and natural beauty, but exploring it requires considerable time and resources.”
“The Tiger” is featured on the market’s Future Project platform.
What is the name of the martial art style showcased in the film “The Tiger”?
## “The Tiger” Roars onto the Global Stage
**Interviewer:** We’re here today with Aris Nugraha, producer of the exciting new Indonesian martial arts film “The Tiger,” which is making its market debut at the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival. Aris, welcome!
**Aris Nugraha:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** “The Tiger” has been generating quite a buzz. Can you tell us a bit about the story and what makes it so special?
**Aris Nugraha:** “The Tiger” is a thrilling story about a family of silat practitioners in West Java who practice a secret tiger-style martial art. When their tradition is accidentally exposed through a viral video, their lives are turned upside down. They face an outsider determined to claim their heritage, forcing them to fight for what they believe in.
**Interviewer:** The film showcases a specific regional martial art style, pamacan. What was the decision behind focusing on this particular tradition?
**Aris Nugraha:** We wanted to highlight the richness and diversity of Indonesian culture. The pamacan style comes from Garut, West Java, and it’s a unique and powerful tradition. We believe that showcasing this regional specificity will actually broaden its appeal to a global audience.
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**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned global appeal. How are you approaching this goal with “The Tiger”?
**Aris Nugraha:** We’re committed to making ”The Tiger” accessible to a worldwide audience while staying true to its Indonesian roots. The film is primarily in Sundanese, but we’re exploring subtitle and dubbing options. We also believe the universal themes of family, tradition, and identity will resonate with viewers around the world.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights on “The Tiger.” We’re certainly excited to see this film make its mark on the global stage.
**Aris Nugraha:** Thank you. We hope everyone enjoys the journey.
