Jajang C. Noor becomes film director

By Marselli Sumarno

JAKARTA (JP): Women film directors are scarce in Indonesia. Ida Farida is one among the few. Some are nonactive, or, like Sofia W. D., have died. Now, Jajang C. Noer, 42, has declared herself a director.

The widow of prominent theater/film director Arifin C. Noer has been involved since December 1996 in the production of the 10-episode TV miniseries Bukan Perempuan Biasa (No Ordinary Woman).

According to Jajang (pronounced yayang), the story was written by her husband at the beginning of their marriage 16 years ago. The story originally bore the title of Lima Lelaki Mabuk (Five Drunken Men) and was to be produced for the cinema. It was offered to Raam Punjabi, the Multivision producer who has lately been very active in producing films for television.

Arifin C. Noer had finished only seven episodes when he died. Jajang asked writer Arswendo Atmowiloto to finalize the script for the remaining three episodes.

It is a pity, said Jajang, that the plan to bring Arifin's story to the screen had been halted for one year. The producer rejected having Jajang direct the film. "However, finally, as Arifin's wife I convinced the producer that I knew my husband's work best and was the most suitable to handle its filming," she added.

And so Jajang, who was initially known as a theater and film actress, sometimes in films and plays directed by Arifin, has become a director. It is certainly noteworthy. It is also interesting that Bukan Perempuan Biasa stars Christine Hakim, a great name in Indonesian films. "While the production of national films is slack at present, I see nothing wrong in working for the booming TV-film industry," she said at a press conference.

What is the attraction in Arifin C. Noer's story? It depicts the fate of Menul (played by Christine Hakim) who must obey her parents' order that she marry a man chosen by her father. Menul refuses to give in and escapes from her village in Central Java. She is later raped by five drunken men and left pregnant.

After 25 years, we see Menul earning her living as a masseuse. Her illegitimate child is a beautiful girl about to graduate from university (played by Dessy Ratnasari). Menul's dark past, her conflicts with her daughter and her courage to maintain her self- respect are the main themes of the miniseries.

The shooting of Bukan Perempuan Biasa is now 70 percent finished. Jajang is very busy but finds occasion to express some of her thoughts.

Below is an excerpt from an interview with her.

Question: How did you prepare for Bukan Perempuan Biasa?

Answer: Actually I only wanted to finish Arifin's work. The story was bought by the producer and part of the fee had been paid. Instead of having it handled by another person, I felt I had to do it by myself. Only I can understand what Arifin wanted. Arifin wrote many scripts for others, but Bukan Perempuan Biasa was different because he was to direct it himself. In continuing Arifin's work, I am ready.

Q: Did Arifin also push you to become a director?

A: Yes. When I assisted Arifin in his work for more than 10 years, he encouraged me to take up directing. I said then that I was willing to take up the challenge if the story was his. Now, whether I am ready or not, I must have the courage.

Q: What about directing attracts you?

A: I have now started doing it. But I am not sure about the future (she laughs). The challenge of creativity is attractive, but the complexities in the field are daunting. There are disturbances in the field such as rain, the scheduling of actors. I may not be talented (she laughs again). The important thing is to see the result. If the shots filmed are connected, there is substance. But I do not know whether the soul is already there.

Q: When you were assisting Arifin, were you essentially his assistant director?

A: Yes, indeed. I got my knowledge and my insight from Arifin. But honestly, I am still doubtful. I do not feel I have the brains of a director. Now every time I am about to create a scene, I discuss it with the production crew, especially the cameraman.

Q: Do you have an obsession with certain themes?

A: I like themes on everyday life. Just ordinary stories like Bukan Perempuan Biasa. What is special is that in that ordinary story there is a soul. I feel a soul in Arifin's films, something we take home with us to reflect upon. I am very anxious about not being able to introduce a soul into Bukan Perempuan Biasa.

Q: How well do you work with Christine Hakim?

A: Very well. Christine once said that it was good to work together with me, maybe because we're both women. We hold frequent discussions. There is always a solution for the acting problems. I was once an actress. I think Christine is very much involved in teamwork.