SEAToday.com, Jakarta - March 30 marks not only National Movie Day, but also a historical moment in the rise of Indonesian cinema. However, we need to know how the journey of movies in Indonesia and who contributed to its creation. Here's the information.
Some believe that the first cinema in Indonesia might have been situated in Tanah Abang, near Gambir Market Square in Batavia (Jakarta), around 1900. People called it "gambar idoep" ("living picture"). These early movie theaters showcased short, silent movies, often foreign productions brought in by Dutch businessmen, titled "The King and Queen of Netherlands".
![Uncovering History of Indonesian Cinema](https://news.seatoday.com/images/20240329212211_big_730x400_24.webp )
"Loetoeng Kasaroeng" (The Ape King) holds a significant place in Indonesian film history as the country's first domestically produced silent film. Released in 1926, it was produced by NV Java Film Company under the direction of Dutch filmmakers L. Heuveldorp and G. Krugers. According to the Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Ministry's website, "Loetoeng Kasaroeng" tells the fantastical story of a young woman named Purbasari. She is teased by her brother for having a langur (long-tailed monkey) boyfriend named Guru Minda. However, a shocking twist reveals that Guru Minda is actually a handsome prince who has been transformed into a langur by the magical powers of Dewi Sunan Ambu.
![Uncovering History of Indonesian Cinema](https://news.seatoday.com/images/20240329212327_big_730x400_46.webp )
Though its story begins in 1932, Bioscoop Metropool's rise to fame unfolded during Indonesian independence. Originally built as a Dutch family residence during colonial rule, the building underwent a significant transformation in 1951. It reopened its doors not as a home but as a grand cinema, boasting the title of the largest in Indonesia at the time and offering a staggering 1,700 seats.
![Uncovering History of Indonesian Cinema](https://news.seatoday.com/images/20240329212504_big_730x400_30.webp )
The establishment of National Movie Day is deeply tied to the work of Usmar Ismail, considered the "Father of Indonesian Movies”. Ismail's Achievements are Founded Perfini, Directed "Darah dan Doa" (Long March of Siliwangi), Initiated Indonesian Movie Festival (FFIJ), Produced "Lewat Djam Malam". National Movie Day is celebrated on March 30 each year, commemorating the production of "Darah dan Doa” in 1950. This date was officially designated through Presidential Decree Number 25 of 1999, signed by President BJ Habibie.
![Uncovering History of Indonesian Cinema](https://news.seatoday.com/images/20240329212627_big_730x400_18.webp )
Recommended Article
News Update
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Step Down in May
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Step Down in May
Update: 133 People Were Killed During The Terrorist Attack at The...
Update: 133 People Were Killed During The Terrorist Attack at The Crocus Concert Hall, Moscow
Update: 93 People Were Killed During The Terrorist Attack at The...
93 People Were Killed During The Terror Attack at The Crocus Concert Hall, Moscow
Terror Strikes at Crocus City Hall in Moscow, More Than 60 People...
Terror Strikes at Crocus City Hall, Moscow, Russia. More than 60 people were killed.
Trending
-
#
Daily Update
-
#
Regional
-
#
Nasional
-
#
Internasional
Popular Post
SOEs Ministry Tries Out Four Days in Workweek System
The State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Ministry is testing the implementation of a four-day workweek. This was shared on Instagram @lifeatkbumn on Saturday (6/8).
TransJakarta Extends Operational Hours of Soekarno-Hatta Airport...
TransJakarta extended its service time until midnight for the corridor with destination to the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, starting Wednesday (6/19).