New 3-D animated a first for local film industry

The inspiration for the opening scene may come straight from Superman, a child being shot off into space in a pod to save his life, but that is where the similarities end.

"Unlike Superman, we're trying to show that a leader doesn't have to have otot kawat, balung besi (wire muscles, iron bones), but other more genuine qualities," Kelik from Studio Kasat Mata said during a trailer preview of the studio's new three- dimensional animated feature, Homeland.

Homeland is the result of a Rp 150 million (about US$17,595) grant awarded to the Yogyakarta studio in April by Yayasan Kelompok Kerja Visi Anak Bangsa.

The 90-minute animated feature will be launched at the end of January 2004, and is touted as Indonesia's first 3-D animated movie.

Although reluctant to reveal much about the plot of the movie, Kelik said that Homeland starred a boy named Bumi (meaning Earth) and his journey of discovery.

"It's about the journey of a boy in finding the meaning of kampung halaman (homeland). Bumi will meet some friends and together will have many adventures which will shape his character," he said.

Unlike other Kasat Mata productions, which so far have consisted of animated shorts focusing on slapstick comedy, Homeland promises to be more serious, "although there will also be some humor", Kelik said.

The project employs the voice talents of comedians from Project Pop -- Tika Panggabean, Djoni Permato (Udjo) and Hermann Josis Mokalu (Yosi), as well as child singer and actress Enno Lerian.

"We will screen Homeland with studio films and will travel to several cities in Indonesia. We hope Homeland will be able to compete with other animated films like Finding Nemo," Agus Pambagyo, one of the founders of Visi Anak Bangsa, said. -- Tantri Yuliandini