Mumbai: OTT platform Netflix has announced a slate of upcoming made-in-Indonesia films and series, which it said is its most ambitious yet. The 7 new titles, spanning sci-fi thrillers, comedy, and period drama, were unveiled at the Waktu Netflix Indonesia (Time for Netflix Indonesia) event recently.
Speaking on the occasion, Netflix content lead-Indonesia Rusli Eddy said, "The Indonesian film industry has evolved rapidly in recent years. More and more creators and stories from Indonesia are now being seen and appreciated by audiences and critics around the world. Our upcoming slate from Indonesia gives you authentic and unique stories, a representation of our country that is rich with stories and cultures, and brings you high-calibre talent whose significant works have shaped the film industry."
Since Netflix’s establishment in Indonesia in 2016, it has showcased stories such as Ali & Ratu Ratu Queens and Photocopier. The company added that the upcoming slate reflects its company’s commitment to helping the industry build compelling content from the country's resources and taking these stories to the world.
At the end of this year, members can catch the first action-comedy film from Timo Tjahjanto called "The Big 4." It tells the story of a by-the-book female detective who teams up with a group of down-on-their-luck assassins to investigate her father’s murder. Tjahjanto, who has signed a multi-project deal with Netflix, said, "To be able to share my story with the world, made possible by Netflix, is exciting. I cannot wait for people to see the movie."
Showrunner Shanty Harmayn, in collaboration with directors Kamila Andini and Ifa Isfansyah, will release Netflix’s first Indonesian period drama, "Gadis Kretek," set against the backdrop of the country’s cigarette industry in the 1960s. "Rooted in Indonesia, I believe this beautiful story will resonate with audiences everywhere," Harmayn added.
Director Joko Anwar will unveil his new sci-fi thriller Nightmares and Daydreams, about ordinary people encountering strange phenomena. The series has multiple storylines which intersect with each other and lead to a dramatic denouement. Anwar said, "Indonesia is so full of unique and extraordinary stories. I'm always excited to have the chance to bring these stories to a wider audience, especially those that relate to the origins of our world."
Other films and series announced include "Dear David," an unconventional coming-of-age story, created by Muhammad Zaidy and directed by Lucky Kuswandi. Then there is a sitcom: "Klub Kecanduan Mantan" (Ex-Addicts Club) by Salman Aristo; "Hari Ini Akan Kita Ceritakan Nanti" (Today We’ll Talk About That Day), and the latest instalment from the universe "Nanti Kita Cerita tentang Hari Ini" (One Day We’ll Talk About Today) by director Angga Dwimas Sasongko. Meanwhile, Komedi Kacau (Comedy Chaos) is a series from writer, director, and comic Raditya Dika that presents a glimpse into the comedy world. Finally, there is a project with writer-director Ernest Prakasa.
