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Chitra Dewi

Chitra Dewi

Acting

Biography

Roro Patma Dewi Tjitrohadikusumo (26 January 1934 – 28 October 2008), known as Chitra Dewi, was an Indonesian actress, producer, writer and director. Her name began to be known to the public when she starred in the film Tiga Dara with Mieke Wijaya and Indriati Iskak. Chitra Dewi is a part of a rare, small group of 'actresses turned directors' in the world of Indonesian films. Others are Ratna Asmara (Tuberose Night, 1950) and Sofia WD (South Storm, 1960). Her first role was in Tamu Agung (1955), though her breakout role was Tiga Dara (1956) alongside her 'younger siblings' Mieke Wijaya and Indriati Iskak. Through her production company, Chitra Dewi Film Productions, she directed Horsemen of Tjimande, Dara-Dara and Bercinta Dalam Gelap, all of which were produced in 1971. In addition, she was one of the producers of 2 x 24 Djam (1969) and Samiun & Dasima (1970). After starring in Tiga Dara, she was cast in prominent roles in films like Pedjuang (1960), Samiun and Dasima (1970), Bulan Above the Grave (1973), Kemelut Hidup (1977) and Gara Gara Isteri Muda (1978). For the 1978 film, she won the Citra Award for Best Supporting Actress at FFI 1979. Due to her dedication to the world of film, she was awarded the Professional Loyalty Award in 1992 from the National Film Council (Dewan Film Nasional).

Known For

Rio Sang Juara

Reminiscent of the Rocky film starring Sylvester Stallone, Rio has to use his fists to make a living as an illegal parking man. When the parking area is taken over by the local government, Rio loses his livelihood. Mursali then helps him by offering his taxi for driving at night. Again he has to use his fists on this new job, but when he meets Lia, she advises Rio to become a boxer. So he goes to Oom Eddy’s boxing gym and his career takes off. But Lia distracts him from his training and his fights. He also forgets about his girlfriend in the village, Sinta (Ayu Azhari). His losing streak begins and then Lia dies during an abortion. So Rio goes back to his village. Oom Eddy and Rio’s friends try to lift his spirit up again. Then Rio returns to the boxing ring, and is victorious once more.

Rio Sang Juara

1989Movie
Samiun dan Dasima

Drawing from the novel, lenong (play) and the previous film (Njai Dasima I), this new film version has heightened erotic scenes considered the boldest for its time. But as mentioned by the director, the eroticism is meant to reveal the psychological aspects of the characters. Unlike the previous version, that mainly highlights conflict between love and witchcraft, this one features social and psychological conflicts. For example, how Dasima feels like an outsider with Edward Williams’s friends, or how she prefers leaving their house to live with her maid in the village. It also shows more background of the Samiun and Hayati characters - Samiun is a black market trader with a lot of debts and Hayati is a woman obsessed with gambling to get rich. When his debts are due and he is unable to pay, Samiun asks his friend, Puasa, to “rob” him while he is returning to their village with Dasima.

Samiun dan Dasima

1970Movie
Bertjinta dalam Gelap

Sri Lestari and her fiancé, Joni are invited to an empty house. Instead, he is met by a policeman who asks him to the police station for questioning. Joni then calls his future mother in law, Rahayu, who later on, pays a visit. When Joni goes back to the police station, Rahayu had left behind a letter after taking poison. The letter tells her life story, about her husband, Yono, who had many wives and liked to sleep around. This prompted Rahayu to get a divorce and start an affair with her former lover, Jufri. But Yono is angry when he finds out about the affair. He fights with Jufri, but ends up being killed by Jufri. In panic, Jufri runs out of the house and is killed by an oncoming truck. Then Rahayu goes to her aunt’s house claiming that Yono has remarried. Frans, the maid begins to blackmail Rahayu but Rahayu later poisons her. All of this happens when Lestari was five years old.

Bertjinta dalam Gelap

1971Movie
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Pringgo, a wealthy businessman, catches his fiancée making out with another man. In a frustrated state, Pringgo has a car accident. According to the doctors who treat him, Pringgo has to undergo surgery to cure his paralysis. But he doesn’t have the courage and loses the hope to live. While he is treated in a sanatorium, Pringgo gets acquainted with Astuti, a frustrated girl. They finally get married, although in the beginning the relationship is based on pity rather than love. Mrs. Heru, Pringgo’s sister, and Mrs. Brasti, head of Pringgo’s household, oppose this marriage. Mrs. Brasti manages to harm Astuti, which is found out by Pringgo. Then Mrs. Brasti is fired. Gradually he realises how much Astuti really loves him and not for the money he has. Thus Pringgo finds his life spirit back, and has the courage to undergo surgery.

A Bud of White Rose

1981Movie
Nji Ronggeng

Amidst the election rivalry of two villages for the village head post, Cigugur and Cijulang, a troupe of Ronggeng artists, with its prima donna, Sari, arrives at the sub-district center for their regular performance. Sari and Dadang, the son of the Village Elder of Cijulang, are in love with each other. Dadang is also running as a candidate in the village head elections. But Ohim, the son of the Cigugur Village Elder, is also madly in love with Sari. He gets even more daring after a humiliating incident when he tries to touch Sari’s hair bun on the ronggeng stage. The touching of the hair bun is one of the rituals in the traditional art of Ronggeng. Dadang’s father is angered by his son’s relationship with Sari, since it could jeopardize his candidacy as the head of the village.

Nji Ronggeng

1969Movie