Biopic of Vice President Kalla's Mother to Hit Theaters
Jakarta. Renowned Indonesian film director Riri Riza and producer Mira Lesmana will release "Athirah," a biopic about the mother of Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla, on Thursday (29/09).
Cut Mini, Christoffer Nelwan, Tika Bravani, Jajang C. Noer, Indah Permatasari and Arman Dewarti will appear in the film, based on Alberthiene Endah's novel of the same title. The script was co-written by Salman Aristo and Riri Riza.
"Athirah's story is exceptional. I feel very lucky to have had the chance to tell it in film," Riri told reporters in a media gathering at Epicentrum XXI on Thursday (22/09).
The film tells the inspirational story of Athirah and depicts the strong and rich Bugis culture of Makassar, South Sulawesi.
"I know how eager Riri was to make Athirah into a film. It tells the story of a Bugis-Makassar family, something that is deeply familiar to him," Mira said.
Like the Vice President's family, Riri is also of Bugis descent, which made the director feel at home throughout the making of the film.
"The similarity between the cultural ambiance of the film and my own life makes Athirah one of the most memorable film experiences for me," he said.
The main theme of the film is the nature of a family bond, something which can be exceedingly complex. According to Mira, Athirah tells the story of the power of love and motherly dedication.
The film's soundtrack was composed by popular pop duo EndahNRhesa.
Athirah — under its international title "Emma" — has been officially selected by three international film festivals — Vancouver Film Festival, Busan International Film Festival and Tokyo International Film Festival.
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