Garin Nugroho lands Tokyo retrospective

JAKARTA (JP): Works by respected film director Garin Nugroho are being screened in a program called Garin Nugroho Retrospection held by the Japan Foundation Forum at Akasaka Twin Tower, Tokyo, from June 17 through June 20.

Garin is the eighth famed Asian film director to have his works featured in the retrospective series.

According to the Japan Foundation, it is the most complete retrospection of Garin's creations, from four of his feature films, documentaries and his latest works on human rights, My Film, My Family, My Nation as well his works aimed at politically educating the public aired on TV.

Garin, 38, along with actress Christine Hakim, is well-known in Japan. His work Daun di Atas Bantal (Leaf on a Pillow) won an award in the Tokyo International Film Festival 1998 and was screened in several art-film cinemas in Japan.

The retrospective show aims at introducing to the Japanese public Garin's works that emphasize esthetics and contain sociopolitical messages.

It also demonstrates how the Indonesian director views various political issues, multiculturalism, cultural communication and the "New Indonesian vision".

Garin best works featured in the series include Cinta dalam Sepotong Roti (Love in a Loaf of Bread), Surat Untuk Bidadari (Letter to an Angel), Bulan Tertusuk Ilalang (And the Moon Dances) and Daun di Atas Bantal.

His documentaries on show are Gerbong satu, dua... (Coach one, two...) and Hitam dan... (Black and...)

Most of the films have been screened in Tokyo before. Tjut Nya' Dien and Surat untuk Bidadari were once aired by NHK television station.(pan)