This City Is a Battlefield: IFFR Closing Film Denounces Dutch Colonial Violence in Indonesia

The International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) culminates with Mouly Surya's "This City Is a Battlefield," a powerful cinematic indictment of Dutch colonialism's brutality in Indonesia.

Set in 1946 Jakarta, amid Indonesia's quest for independence and ongoing Dutch occupation, the film delves into the bloody clashes that marked this era. Surya's intention is not merely to denounce the past but to spark conversations and expose historical perspectives often overlooked in the Netherlands.

Surya's Unique Perspective

Surya highlights the absence of Indonesia's colonial past in Dutch education, drawing attention to the shared and complex history between the two nations. By placing the film within an international context, she aims to broaden its impact.

Exploring Character Depth

The film's adaptation of Mochtar Lubis' 1952 novel, "A Road With No End," focuses on Isa (Chicco Jerikho), a resistance-aligned violin teacher; Hazil (Jerome Kurnia), a rebel assisting Isa; and Fathima (Ariel Tatum), Isa's wife and the object of Hazil's desire. Tatum reveals the collaborative process in developing Fathima's character, filling in gaps to enhance her complexity and the love triangle's dynamics.

Surya's Hollywood Experience

Before "This City Is a Battlefield," Surya directed "Trigger Warning," a Netflix thriller starring Jessica Alba. She considers her time in the US film industry as invaluable experience, akin to a "second postgraduate degree." The transition between projects led to a blending of the shooting schedules for both films.

International Collaborations

IFFR's Hubert Bals Fund played a pivotal role in "This City Is a Battlefield" as a co-production country. The festival's ongoing commitment to Indonesian talent is strengthened by the Netherlands-Indonesia audiovisual co-production agreement, facilitating access to funding and support for filmmakers.

Surya's Vision for Indonesian Cinema

Surya believes that global recognition is crucial for Indonesia's film industry to thrive. While the industry caters to a vast domestic audience, she emphasizes the importance of broadening perspectives and embracing critical thinking through exposure to diverse cinema beyond Hollywood's influence.