Film Screenings: Indonesia and the 1965 tragedy

Putu Oka Sukanata (Film-maker)

Date: 15 September 2010 Time: 10:00 AM

Finishes: 15 September 2010 Time: 5:00 PM

Venue: Brunei Gallery, SOAS Room: B102

Putu Oka Sukanata is one of Indonesia’s leading literary figures and producer of documentaries on the brutal events that accompanied former President Suharto’s rise to power in 1965/66. Hundreds of thousands of Communist suspects and alleged sympathisers were killed or imprisoned without trial. A political detainee himself between 1966 and 1976, Putu Oka Sukanta has produced a series of powerful and moving accounts of the tragedy.

The documentaries provide an invaluable record of the way in which groups of people were hounded and murdered for nothing more than their alleged involvement in leftwing organisations. They are an important reminder of the trauma and social impact of the tragedy and the indelible legacy left by the harrowing events.

Putu Oka Sukanta will present and lead a discussion on two his films. Seni Ditating Jaman (The Art that will not Die) portrays the determination of members of the cultural organisation, LEKRA, to carry on their activities in and out of prison. Menyemai Terang Dalam kelam (Sowing Light in the Dark) depicts the struggle of ordinary men and women to retain their dignity and humanity at a time of great oppression. 

Three other films, Perempuan yang Tertuduh (The Accused Woman), Tumbuh Dalam Badai (Growing in the Storm), and Tjidurian 19 will also be available for screening.

For the full programme and film times please see the SOAS website

For further information contact Paul Barber at plovers@gn.apc.org or on 0774 730 1739 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 0774 730 1739 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

This event is sponsored by TAPOL and the Centre of South East Asian Studies, SOAS.