In Conversation with Debrah Yatim: Cinema as a mirror and Projection

ESAS dedicates this month of March on films as a creative art form. We have recently featured Indonesia’s legendary actress Christine Hakim on her role in the ‘The Last of Us’ , documentary filmmaker Arfan Sabran who shares his unique creative processes; and today 30 March, which is National Film Day, ESAS Intersections podcast with Debra Yatim, adding film critic to her multifaceted background journalist-writer-activist, provides great insights on the Indonesian Film industry.

Old film archives from the 1920’s show Dutch producers making films with all Indonesian casts. Debra observes that films have the power to shape people's perceptions and beliefs about their own culture and identity, making them a powerful tool for promoting cultural awareness and understanding.

Today, Indonesia has a vibrant film industry. She hopes that Indonesian film makers will continue to produce high-quality films that not only showcase the country's rich cultural heritage and unique stories but also resonates and speak to a global audience.