'The Wind in the Savanna'

'The Wind in the Savanna'

From Kompas

The TV film, Angin Rumput Savana (The Wind in the Savanna), shown by TPI on May 29, 1997, at 8 p.m., was evidently a combined effort of National Family Planning Board, TPI and John Hopkins University. The film, directed by Garin Nugroho, showed customs and traditions of Sumba island -- which struck Sumba society as being odd and peculiar. The story is overdramatized, giving an unrealistic view about the life of the people.

For instance, the name Rambu Ana Wulang, a girl's name, was shortened to "Wulang". This name, an abbreviation from Umbu Wulang, is a male's name. If the name indicated a woman, the name should have been shortened to Rambu Wulang or Ana Wulang. It would be odd to call someone by the name of Wulang, only to discover that it was not a man.

The kidnapping scene showing Rambu Wulang riding astride on horseback also drew criticism from Sumba women. Women do not ride a horse that way -- it would be improper to do so. Even today, Sumba women always ride sidesaddle. In this way, Sumba women show their ultimate skills in horsemanship, which never fails to draw admiration.

The kidnapping scene showing Rambu Wulang tied up was really too much. In the past, kidnapping Sumba-style amounted to standing watch over a woman who was in a closed room, while a party in full swing took place outside. The kidnapping was part of the event. It would be unthinkable to treat a woman in the way that the film portrayed.

The sonnet sung in the local dialect did not suit the story, since the melody related to a story of a woman yearning for her lover, while the TV story depicted the efforts of a woman who wanted to bring a change to tradition.

Also, the part of the midwife (played by Renny Djajoesman) in which she scolded a man, reflected rudeness. The accessories worn by the midwife, too, like bracelets and a necklace, were far from depicting the reality of Sumba.

I suggest that Garin should delve more into the background of his subject matter before shooting a film.

UMBU HUNGA MEHA TARAP

Bogor, West Java