Sjumandjaja films get screening

JAKARTA (JP): A retrospective of movies by award-winning director Sjumandjaja will be shown from Oct. 23 to Oct. 28 at the Usmar Ismail Film Center, Jl. Rasuna Said Kav. C-22, South Jakarta.

The late Sjumanjaja, often known as Sjuman, was known for his romantic nature, spare direction and well-scripted storylines on moral, social and controversial political concerns, according to legendary poet Rendra, who worked on many of the movies.

"Sjuman was about devotion and dedication, not confidence. He was not a very confident man, but a very dedicated one," said Rendra, who recently performed Suku Naga (Dragon Tribe) at the art summit festival in Jakarta.

"Sjuman always wanted nonglamorous directing and he hated special effects, something which worked to his advantage."

Rendra explained that while other directors were busy copying the clothing styles and rich colors of Hollywood movies, Sjuman preferred drawing out the best of each member of his cast.

He suffered from periodic liver trouble and died in 1985 at the age of 51.

One of the films to be screened is Yang Muda Yang Bercinta (Young Lovers) starring Rendra, Yatie Octavia, Maruli Sitompul, Nani Widjaja, Ade Irawan, Rae Sita Supit and Rudy Salam.

Filmed in 1977, the production centers on the lives of politically active university students who are searching for their true selves. It won Nani the FFI award for best supporting actress. It also features Poppy Dharsono, now a fashion designer and businesswoman.

The other films are Si Mamad, Kartini, Kabut Sutra Ungu (Purple Silk Mist), Budak Nafsu (Sex Slave), Kerikil Kerikil Tajam (Sharp Pebbles) and Opera Jakarta. (ylt)