Kuldesak (Indonesian with English subtitles)

Q & A with Riri Riza (Director)

Indonesian with English subtitles
(Indonesia, 1998, 110 minutes)

Nan Achnas, Riri Riza, Mira Lesmana, Rizal Mantovani (Directors)

Synopsis

Made during the closing years of New Order regime, but released during the first months of Reformasi, Kuldesak represents a crucial bridge between the two eras and remains a fundamental influence on many of today’s filmmakers.

Made in omnibus style, with four interlocking stories, each shot by different directors, Kuldesak spoke to Jakarta’s new young generation in a way that no other film had done before.

The film follows the lives of four young people, Lina, Andre, Dina and Aksan, as they try to solve a variety of problems. Clearly inspired by a number of international movies, the directors created stories that spoke to the social angst and alienation of Jakarta’s young generation.

The film marked the directorial debut of all four directors and they along with many others involved in the project went on to become important and influential players in Indonesia’s re-emerging film industry.

Never released on DVD, this screening represents a rare UK opportunity to view this important film.

The two films that follow, 3 Days to Forever, and Atambua 39 Celsius continue the day’s focus on the long-standing resulting partnership between Riri Riza and Mira Lesmana as director and producer of many of the most important films of the last 15 years.

Admission

Free and open to the public, no booking required.

Organiser: Centres & Programmes Office

Contact email: centres@soas.ac.uk

Contact Tel: +44(0)20 7898 4893