Ve clear on XX: exploration, exploitation

Ve clear on XX: exploration, exploitation

The subject is on exploration and exploitation. He said he was
honest when he wrote the script for Buruan Cium Gue! (Kiss me
quick) -- Multivision Plus' teen flick which was recently banned
and withdrawn from cinemas only days after its release.

At first Venerdi Handojo, or better known as Ve, disallowed
questions concerning the film as saying it was unclear of the
fate of the film after it was pulled from distribution.

The vigorous script writer however, shared that, "I don't feel
hurt or personally attacked when many people run down the film
and say it's a lousy film. I wrote the film for teenagers and
according to Hai (teen magazine), teenagers themselves have not
over reacted like the adults -- who have not seen my film -- make
their comments to the media.

"My target audience is clear -- teenagers and high school
students. With their realm, this film doesn't have nothing
against what happens in their environment," he said.

In his real socialization Ve must have seen more than what he
tried to portray in the film. Jakarta is like many other big
cities around the globe, where its people are exposed to numerous
cultures and multicultural experiences that influence the facet
of people's lives.

The film is not the first banned here with people still often
'misreading' the title or even the contents of creative works.
Prominent but impulsive religious figures, and moral policing
bravados are quick to shout at touchy subjects contained in
almost any creative work.

The film is around puberty curiosity, the thrill and the
feeling of a high school student wanting to be kissed. It's
purely about the first kiss, nothing more than that. "It's
natural stuff, I had the same curiosity around that age," said Ve
who confessed to have his first kiss at 14.

"Few people know that it (the film) is actually inspired by
the success of the theme television drama, ABG, which is aired by
Indosiar.

"We (the film crew) know the difference between exploring and
exploitation. If a kissing scene lasts for more than three
seconds, we scrap it because we don't intend to exploit the
subject."

Ve, who was born in Jakarta on April 11, 1975, said it was
really urgent to set the objective before commencing work on a
certain project.

"With a clear objective we can distinguish whether we are
going to explore or exploit the subject.

If one shouts about morality and downgrading social values,
one should not vie on Ve because he was brought up by a devout
Christian family. "I went to the strict, disciplined Kalam Kudus
schools. My folks are devout Christians. I am lucky because they
are very egalitarian and open. We (parents and children) have a
healthy communication," said the youngest of five siblings.

It's good for him, a skilled graphic designer, that what had
happened to Buruan Cium Gue! did not deter his passion to pen.
Publishing a book is one of his plans in the near future.

--Emmy Fitri