Thoughts on Films

Episode 102: Selected Indonesian Films in 2022 (part 2)

Fikri, Nadia and Tiara conclude their discussion on selected 2022 Indonesian films. Inspired by an article in The Jakarta Post, they run through the rigmarole of films they have seen (or not) in ‘Nana’, ‘Like & Share’, ‘The Big 4’ and ‘Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap’. They discuss the communist purge in the 1960s, contexts of female conditioning, the representation of youth angst on screen, and how common cultures like Bataknese are seen on screen. They also consider films that did not make the official cut, like ‘KKN Di Desa Penari’ and ‘Sayap-Sayap Patah’.

Episode 101: Selected Indonesian Films in 2022 (part 1)

We kick off the next century of episodes by looking at selected Indonesian films from 2022. Friend of the show Nadia returns along with a debuting Tiara, and their passion for Indonesian cinema will guide Fikri through this discussion inspired by an article in The Jakarta Post. The first of two parts considers the films they have seen (or not!) in ‘Pengabdi Setan 2’, ‘Noktah Merah Perkawinan’, ‘Keramat 2’, ‘Mencuri Raden Saleh’ and ‘Evakuasi Mama Emola’, touching on the representation of female role models, the monstrous feminine in horror and whether the film landscape is still a Java-centric one. 

Episode 100: The Centurion Episode

Finally, our 100^th episode! Ezzah, Fikri and Muz got together (separately) to discuss their recent film experiences in Europe and Asia respectively. In the first part, Muz details the distinctions between the different parts of Italy and how it affects stories found in the likes of ‘Gomorrah’ and ‘Cinema Paradiso’. Later on, Fikri checks in on Ezzah in Scotland, exploring her latest documentary exploits, touching on the film ‘Sr.’, and discussing more deeply about life, family and distance.

Episode 99: On the Malayan Film Unit (part 2)

This episode is the final part of Fikri and Hassan Muthalib’s discussion of the Malayan Film Unit. They look at some key films like ‘The Red Book’ and ‘Abu Nawas’; given Fikri’s research interests, they also delve into the likes of ‘Letters from Home’ and ‘Rohani Steps Out’, highlighting how women are instructed to ‘behave’ in certain contexts. In relation to Malayan independence, there is also a chat about how ‘Merdeka Mission’ positioned Tunku Abdul Rahman with a more post-colonial objective in mind.

Episode 98: On the Malayan Film Unit (part 1)

In part one of a two-parter, Fikri invites friend of the show, film historian Hassan Muthalib, to discuss the Malayan Film Unit. Created by the British colonial administration, they talk about the start of Hassan’s film career and how he came to be involved with the department. They also get into its efficacy in combatting communism in the country, look at key figures like Tuan Zain and Gillie Porter, and discover its connection to films like ‘Superman’.

Episode 97: Let’s Talk about Whispers of Silence

Fikri welcomes Emily to the show to talk about ‘Whispers of Silence’ and some aspects of Burmese cinema. In the first half, they focus on the short film by Zaw Bo Bo Hein and Mg Bhone, a film released in 2018. They consider the text in its social, political and religious contexts. Subsequently, Emily expands on filmmaking in Myanmar and the experience of watching films in the country, considering the impact of censorship on filmmakers, and the role played by the Wathann Film Festival.

Episode 96: On Ang Lee and Hirokazu Koreeda (part 2)

Fikri and Thim Kian conclude their discourse on thoughts inspired by a discussion between Ang Lee and Hirokazu Koreeda. Thim Kian reflects on his personal meetings with Koreeda and Ang Lee, when he took part in film academies led by the both filmmakers. They also discuss how both have affected Thim Kian’s own filmmaking efforts, especially in areas related to editing and working with child actors, as well as the difference between fiction and non-fiction storytelling.

Episode 95: On Ang Lee and Hirokazu Koreeda (part 1)

Recorded in 2021, Fikri and Thim Kian sit down for a chat about a discussion between Ang Lee and Hirokazu Koreeda. Held at the 2020 Berlin International Film Festival, it was one of their contributions to the We Are One: A Global Film Festival. Connecting it to their contexts, Fikri and Thim Kian consider the influence of Taiwanese and Japanese films and cinema culture on the Malaysian Chinese community and filmmakers. They also mull over Ang Lee’s experience of making international films, as well as his notion of time and space in their own works.

Episode 94: Let’s Talk About Penyalin Cahaya

Fikri and Nadia waxes lyrical about the Indonesian film, ‘Penyalin Cahaya’. A big winner at Festival Film Indonesia 2021, the Wregas Banuteja-directed film has been gaining traction on Netflix. In this spoiler-filled discussion, Nadia considers how the film works in a cultural sense, as well as its depictions of university life. Meanwhile, Fikri touches on the film’s bigger picture legal contexts, such as its interaction with aspects of the law, as well as recent controversies surrounding the film itself.

Episode 93: Slinging Back into Cinemas

Fikri gets Muz back on the mic for the first time in a long time, as they discuss their thoughts on watching ‘Spiderman: No Way Home’ in cinemas. The first part covers their respective treks to cinemas in India and Indonesia, their first time back in front of the silver screen for nearly two years. Subsequently, they touch on the film itself, with Muz excited about its connections to various cinematic universes and Fikri enthused by the film’s consideration of second chances and mental health, among others.