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A new cinematic journey: “Tale of the Land” trailer released
A fresh voice in cinema emerges
KawanKawan Media has recently unveiled the trailer for “Tale of the Land”, marking the directorial debut of Loeloe Hendra. This film has been selected for the prestigious New Currents competition at the 2024 Busan International Film Festival.
A story rooted in Borneo’s heart
Set against the lush backdrop of Borneo, “Tale of the Land” is a coming-of-age narrative deeply inspired by the indigenous communities’ struggles with land conflicts. The film weaves elements of fantasy into its storyline, creating a unique cinematic experience. The protagonist, May, is a Dayak girl who, traumatized by her parents’ death in a land conflict, finds herself unable to set foot on land. She lives with her grandfather in a floating house on a lake, with 90% of the film’s scenes set on water.
Director’s vision
Hendra describes the film as a blend of his childhood imagination and the current social realities in Kalimantan. He aims to highlight the changes and shifts occurring in society through this narrative.
Stellar cast and their accolades
The film features Shenina Cinnamon and Arswendy Bening Swara, both of whom have garnered international acclaim for their recent performances. Cinnamon was seen in Yosep Anggi Noen’s 2023 Busan title “24 Hours with Gaspar”, while Swara won the best actor award at the 2022 Marrakech International Film Festival for Makbul Mubarak’s “Autobiography”. The duo reunites after their roles in Garin Nugroho’s “Badrun & Loundri”. The cast also includes notable Indonesian actors Angga Yunanda and Yusuf Mahardika.
Behind the scenes: production challenges
Producers Yulia Evina Bhara and Amerta Kusuma, known for their work on films like the Venice winner “Autobiography” and the Cannes-winning “Tiger Stripes”, faced unique challenges during production. Bhara explained that filming on an inland river delta, which transforms dramatically during the rainy seasons, required precise timing to capture the water at its highest flow.
International collaboration
“Tale of the Land” is a co-production with the Philippines’ Popple Pictures, with Armi Cacanindin as co-producer, and Taiwan’s Aview Images, with Shee Heng Kuek and Alice You as co-producers. This international collaboration brings diverse perspectives and expertise to the project, enriching its narrative and production quality.
Watch the trailer
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