#crowdfunding - Sunyi (Silence)
An Indonesian artist reveals the untold story of human rights victims through pantomime.
Interview with Director Riani Singgih
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Ever since I started film-making, never have I once told a story about my own people. Having left Indonesia when I was young, I've always looked for a way to understand the country and the people better. Throughout this journey, I found Wanggi and realized that art can serves as the bridge to learn more about the past. With this film, I want to tell a story that seeks to remember the bitter past in order to build a better future.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Because you have something that you passionate about, that will make you fight until the end. Because you care about human rights, and the ones that have been violated in the past.That is the story of Wanggi.His way of protest is so unique in itself, a silent protest without violence. Also, Indonesia has the 4th biggest population in the world, yet not many people in the world are exposed to the country’s culture, history and people. Wanggi embodies each aspect of history, culture and story of the people in his pantomime.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Fighting for Justice while sacrificing is a big theme of this film. Even though not everyone have protested and fought for a cause to the government, we all have fight for something we care about while sacrificing things we are comfortable with/love.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
In Documentaries, you can never really predict how the storyline is going to be like when you first start with the idea. The first time I met Wanggi I just knew that he was a street pantomime artist with an interesting approach to the art, I did not understand his passion to help human rights violation victims as much as I do now. As I followed him for a few days, I began to understand more about his journey, the risks that he’s taking (which is very real) and why pantomime is the perfect medium to use.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I haven’t showed any cuts to anyone, but so far have pitched the film to several people. Most people, especially the American audience, seems to be interested in the matter since most of them don’t really know much about Indonesia, or heard of Indonesian stories. Though, on the other hand, because of the subject of this documentary, several Indonesian have came up and told me about the risks that follows as well.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Again, this is a controversial subject in Indonesia. There are many that mislabel Wanggi and his friends in Indonesia and are out trying to prosecute him, so there are people with a different view of the subject matter (the human rights violation) who don’t agree with the story I’m telling. However, that is the reason why I want to make this documentary, to show people the other side of the story that history books don’t tell.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Currently we are still in the production stage, preparing to shoot more days in Indonesia and then towards post-production, so honestly we are looking for support to fund the completion of this film. We also want more people to hear Wanggi’s story, because we can only help his cause by spreading the word.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
At this stage, I would say journalists, film festival directors and funding contributors to the film.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
My goal is to create a discussion about the subject of human rights in Indonesia, something that has been erased from history books and often altered. Whether it is through outside force or within the country itself, I want people to be able to have freedom to talk about the subject without feeling pressured or scared about their safety.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
It really is as simple as why human rights matter, or the role of art in defending a cause.
Would you like to add anything else?
If you are interested to learn more about the film or help to make the film possible, please go check out our Indiegogo page!: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/sunyi-a-short-documentary-film
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Riani: I just finished 2 Documentary films which I co-directed and shot last week and we are now in the process of sending them to festivals. I also do Cinematography work, we just wrapped shooting a short narrative film less than 2 weeks ago about a Witch hunt trial which will have its premiere around April next year and now I am in pre-production in a short Narrative film about a skateboarder and his relationship with his family that will be shooting in March next year.
Esteban: I’m working on my Graduate Thesis; a romantic drama short film, and a short documentary about a group of theater students that create a play to tell the true stories of undocumented college students returning to their countries of birth to visit long-lost family.
Interview: November 2017
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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Sunyi (In English: Silence)
An Indonesian artist reveals the untold story of human rights victims through pantomime.
Length: 15-17 minutes
Director: Riani Singgih
Producer: Esteban Zuluaga
About the writer, director and producer:
Director/ Co-Producer: Riani is an Indonesian Documentary filmmaker and Cinematographer, currently finishing her BFA in Documentary in Chapman University. To see samples of her work: rianisinggih.com
Co- Producer: An LA based Colombian Producer currently pursuing his MFA Degree in Chapman University. His previous film A Foreman was a finalist in the Student Academy Awards.
Key cast: Wanggi Hoediyanto
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Journalists, executive producers, film festival directors
Social media handles:
Indiegogo Campaign: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/sunyi-a-short-documentary-film#/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunyifilm/
Made in association with: Dodge College of Film & Media Arts