Celebrating International Women’s Day:
A Screening Event Highlighting Tough Women

Introduction:
International Women’s Day is a momentous occasion that celebrates the achievements and resilience of women around the world. To mark this special day, the Indonesian Film Forum (IFF) organized a captivating film screening event featuring two remarkable films: “Laskar Pelangi” and “Marlina.” The event, held at the Anthology Film Archive, aimed to inspire and empower audiences with stories of strong and determined women. This blog post will provide an overview of the event, including the screening process, special performances, and the overall experience.

Event Details:
The event took place on March 8, the date designated for International Women’s Day celebrations. Upon entering the Anthology Film Archive, spectators were required to register on the ground floor and received a purple wristband as proof of entry. For those without tickets, on-the-spot cash purchases were available. Notably, IFF made efforts to implement a paperless registration system, allowing for seamless integration of audience data.

Film Screenings:
The first film showcased was “Laskar Pelangi” (The Rainbow Troops), directed by Riri Riza. Based on the bestselling Indonesian novel of the same name by Andrea Hirata, this heartwarming film tells the story of a group of children’s unwavering friendship and their determination to overcome educational challenges. With a runtime of 125 minutes, “Laskar Pelangi” captivated viewers of all ages, reminding them of the transformative power of learning and the resilience of the human spirit.

Following “Laskar Pelangi,” the event continued with the screening of “Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts” directed by Mouly Surya. This gripping film follows Marlina, a strong and determined woman seeking justice against her enemies in a remote Indonesian island. With a runtime of 93 minutes, “Marlina” captivated adult audiences, combining elements of revenge and feminist empowerment.

Live Performance by Efek Rumah Kaca:
During the end credits of “Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts,” the renowned music group Efek Rumah Kaca (ERK) took the stage for a live performance. ERK, known for their sociopolitical commentaries, performed the theme song of “Marlina” called “Lazuardi” as well as songs from their own album, including “Merdeka.” The audience responded with great enthusiasm and the performance was met with resounding applause.

Conclusion and Souvenir Opportunities:
Following the electrifying performance by ERK, Luqman Hamaki (IFF) concluded the event, expressing gratitude to the attendees and acknowledging the support of various individuals and organizations. As the event came to a close, the audience had the opportunity to purchase souvenirs from ERK, which were conveniently sold in the theater lobby.

Closing Remarks:
The screening event organized by the Indonesian Film Forum to celebrate International Women’s Day was a resounding success. By showcasing films like “Laskar Pelangi” and “Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts,” the event celebrated the strength, resilience, and determination of women. The inclusion of a live performance by Efek Rumah Kaca further added to the memorable experience. The Indonesian Film Forum looks forward to organizing more engaging and thought-provoking events in the future, continuing their mission to promote Indonesian culture and ideas through film.