'The Wind in the Savanna'<\/p>\n
From Kompas<\/p>\n
The TV film, Angin Rumput Savana (The Wind in the Savanna),
\nshown by TPI on May 29, 1997, at 8 p.m., was evidently a combined
\neffort of National Family Planning Board, TPI and John Hopkins
\nUniversity. The film, directed by Garin Nugroho, showed customs
\nand traditions of Sumba island -- which struck Sumba society as
\nbeing odd and peculiar. The story is overdramatized, giving an
\nunrealistic view about the life of the people.<\/p>\n
For instance, the name Rambu Ana Wulang, a girl's name, was
\nshortened to \"Wulang\". This name, an abbreviation from Umbu
\nWulang, is a male's name. If the name indicated a woman, the name
\nshould have been shortened to Rambu Wulang or Ana Wulang. It
\nwould be odd to call someone by the name of Wulang, only to
\ndiscover that it was not a man.<\/p>\n
The kidnapping scene showing Rambu Wulang riding astride on
\nhorseback also drew criticism from Sumba women. Women do not ride
\na horse that way -- it would be improper to do so. Even today,
\nSumba women always ride sidesaddle. In this way, Sumba women show
\ntheir ultimate skills in horsemanship, which never fails to draw
\nadmiration.<\/p>\n
The kidnapping scene showing Rambu Wulang tied up was really
\ntoo much. In the past, kidnapping Sumba-style amounted to
\nstanding watch over a woman who was in a closed room, while a
\nparty in full swing took place outside. The kidnapping was part
\nof the event. It would be unthinkable to treat a woman in the way
\nthat the film portrayed.<\/p>\n
The sonnet sung in the local dialect did not suit the story,
\nsince the melody related to a story of a woman yearning for her
\nlover, while the TV story depicted the efforts of a woman who
\nwanted to bring a change to tradition.<\/p>\n
Also, the part of the midwife (played by Renny Djajoesman) in
\nwhich she scolded a man, reflected rudeness. The accessories worn
\nby the midwife, too, like bracelets and a necklace, were far from
\ndepicting the reality of Sumba.<\/p>\n
I suggest that Garin should delve more into the background of
\nhis subject matter before shooting a film.<\/p>\n
UMBU HUNGA MEHA TARAP<\/p>\n
Bogor, West Java<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/the-wind-in-the-savanna-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }