Bachtiar Siagian
Directing
Biography
Bachtiar Siagian was arguably the most prominent leftist film maker and theorist during the early years of Indonesia's national cinema. He wrote and directed 13 films from 1955-1965, making him one of the most prolific indigenous Indonesian filmmakers of the era. However, he and his work were targeted by Suharto's anti-communist purge of 1966. He was imprisoned without trial for 12 years and all of his work was destroyed. Only in recent years have prints of some of his films begun to re-emerge.
Known For
Indarningsih takes care of her daughter, Violetta, with so many restrictions that she feels like a prisoner. Living in a remote place, one day, Corporal Herman arrives for a visit. Ningsih realises that she cannot stop the passion between them. In truth, Ningsih is worried that Violetta will end up like her, raising a child on her own without a husband.
Violetta
After over a decade in prison, little trace of filmmaker and member of the leading Communist cultural movement Bachtiar Siagian’s life and work could be found, but Hafiz Rancajale still searched. Alongside his colleagues, they revise his mis-slandered history.
Bachtiar
It tells the story of Budiman and Abdullah who escaped from the Japanese army. Budiman was shot dead, while Abdullah, who had wanted to join the guerrillas, changed his mind because he knew that Budiman's son and wife were arrested. Abdullah surrendered and was sentenced to death. Before that happened, his father waged resistance against the Japanese to free his son.
Badja Membara (Nila Meulila)
This film is more intended to provide information about the BNI mobile bank, which is the sponsor, and advice on saving. This intention is mixed into a story about the mobile bank officers who visit schools. There is a love story between the mobile bank officers, and some fall in love with the school teachers they often visit.
Njanjian Dilereng Dieng
A guerrilla struggle during Indonesia’s war of independence against the Dutch unfolds in Tanah Karo, centered on Seberaja, a village serving as a command base. Wounded deputy commander Rusli is cared for by Tipi, and love grows amid the hardships of war. Dutch attacks, aided by a traitor, force the fighters to keep moving and continue their resistance.
Turang
Wita, who came to Tanah Karo for cultural research, rented a horse from Pande. Their relationship then continued until Pande fell in love and misunderstood that Wita also returned his love. After being made aware by Wita and her friends, the embarrassed Pande finally agreed to return home. He gave Wita a Karo shawl when she returned to town.
Piso Surit
Because he was injured during the war, Johan got a scar on his face. Because it was difficult to get a job with an ugly face. Johan almost became a criminal before being saved by a mother and her blind child.
Tjorak Dunia
The opposing attitude of Hadi's lover and parents, who were assigned out of town, to Ombilin. Hadi's inner conflict raged. But finally he chose to go even though he had to lie to his girlfriend.