Imajinari will release the latest family comedy drama film on August 29, 2024, namely Kaka Boss. The film, written and directed by Arie Kriting, tells a story set in an Eastern Indonesian family.
The film Kaka Boss stars Godfred Orindeod, Glory Hillary, Mamat Alkatiri, Abdur Arsyad, Putri Nere, Nowela Mikhelia, Aurel Mayora, Chun Funki Papua, Elsa Japasal, Ge Pamungkas, and Ernest Prakasa. In addition to playing in this film, Ernest also acts as a producer with Dipa Andika. This film stars a majority of actors who have East Indonesian blood.
The idea and story of the film Kaka Boss are said to have been present since 2017. The process began when Arie was involved in various film productions including those themed on Eastern Indonesia. In the process, Arie saw that so far Eastern Indonesia had always been depicted in one direction from the perspective of non-Eastern Indonesians. Due to this concern, Arie then poured it into the film Kaka Boss.
“I think the definition of Eastern people comes from people from outside Eastern Indonesia, which is actually only on the surface. In fact, it can be explored deeper,” said Arie Kriting, who also has Eastern Indonesian blood, during a press conference for the release of the trailer at XXI Epicentrum, Kuningan, South Jakarta, Wednesday, (24/7).
Kaka Boss tells the story of Ferdinand ‘Kaka Boss’ Omakare, a debt collector from East Indonesia who is feared in Jakarta and is currently in prison. After being released from prison, Kaka Boss suddenly decides to change professions to become a singer in order to make his daughter proud.
“The story is about a family portrait. There are many Indonesian films with a family theme. The film Kaka Boss tries to explore Eastern families. When, for example, there are those who have achieved success in Jakarta. So it’s not just a portrait of the hardships of school or water shortages. That Eastern Indonesians can also have fun,” continued Arie.
Also read: Kaka Boss Movie Releases Official Poster, Airing August 29, 2024
For Arie, it is important to show a more diverse dimension of life from the characters of East Indonesia in Indonesian films. So far, according to Arie, what is often shown is the exploitation of misery. Although, he also does not deny that this also happens but there are other layers that also need to be shown.
“There are many other feelings that can be explored through cinema. Eastern people are not only poor, unable to go to school or have difficulty with water. But films with the theme of Eastern Indonesia are always not far from that. What about ordinary Eastern Indonesian families. I try to provide alternative stories about Eastern people,” said Arie.
The film Kaka Boss was filmed in mid-December 2023. Although the idea had been around for a long time, the script written by Arie was also reworked. In addition to wanting to provide an alternative layer of story about Eastern Indonesia, Arie in this film also provides exploration space for the cast. For example, he dared to provide space for debutant Glory Hillary, who previously had no acting experience. Godfred Orindeod, who has always been associated with a cold-blooded, cruel character, with his action scenes, was given the opportunity to highlight his melancholic side more.
Also read: Indah Permatasari Has Rules for Raising Children with Arie Kriting
“Brother Godfred can be considered a senior for Eastern children who are involved in the entertainment industry. In my opinion, he has potential and talent but has never been given space. Every time he acts in a film, he is told to kick and curse people. When I met Brother Godfred, he said that many directors who met him always said that he was difficult to conquer. However, I told him, I became a director not to conquer, I just want to humanize you. So in terms of approach, it is as a human being. That is what we agreed on. Happy emotions, sad emotions, that is what we try to explore. So far, Brother Godfred’s human feelings have rarely been explored. That became a challenge for both of us in the process,” said Arie regarding his trust in the main actor Godfred.
Wishing Success
Arie then explained about the problems that have also occurred in Indonesian films. For example, regarding the role played by actors to play characters from East Indonesia, according to him it is not as simple as a matter of representation from the original actor. However, it is also due to the lack of space given to the actor in depth. So that in a short time, non-East Indonesian actors who play East Indonesian characters will usually fall into characters that are less solid.
For him, if there are actors who feel challenged to play the character of an East Indonesian, go ahead. As long as they have enough time and preparation to delve into it. Therefore, according to Arie, instead of falling for a caricatured character, it is better to look for a character with an East Indonesian background.
Also read: Ernest Prakasa Reveals Imaginary Reasons for Making a Documentary Film
He also firmly stated that he did not like it if East Indonesian actors were merely the subject of jokes in the story. According to him, actors and characters with an East Indonesian background should be able to occupy any story situation and character. Not limited to certain roles and trapped in stereotypes.
He hopes that the Kaka Boss film can also be a big success. In the end, he can continue the Kaka Boss sequel by presenting a more complex story layer and giving opportunities for East Indonesian actors to appear on screen.
“For me, reaching a certain number of viewers is what I need. I have talked with Ernest (the producer of the film Kaka Boss). If Kaka Boss can run and be successful, maybe I hope to make the next films. He also asked, why not just make a new title? In my opinion, Eastern people don’t have many opportunities to play and their characters are not far from what already exists. I hope Kaka Boss will be a showcase for Eastern Indonesian artists. Be it in acting, singing, dancing, and comedy. There are still many Eastern Indonesian friends who have talent, but space is limited,” he said.
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