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A biopic about opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is currently in production in Indonesia.
The feature length movie is being led by Indonesian director Viva Westi and features actors Farid Kamil (J Revolusi, Tombiruo) in the titular role, Acha Septriasa (Kartini: Princess of Java, Layla Majnun) as Anwar’s wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Hasnul Rahmat as Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and veteran Indonesian actors Piet Pagau and Dewi Irawan as Anwar’s parents.
Set in the years between 1993 and 1998, it follows the politician’s trials and tribulations in combating corruption within the government, and his eventual nine-year prison sentence which sparked the nationwide 'Reformasi' protest movement.
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Political cartoonist and activist, Zulkiflee Anwar Haque, or more popularly known as Zunar, is one of the producers behind the movie. “I have been trying to develop this movie over the past 12 years,” he said in a phone interview with The Vibes while on location in Indonesia.
For Zunar, who has never been involved in any movie or television productions before this, the project is deeply personal. “I have known Anwar personally since 1998. He has gone through hell and back. He is a ‘martyr’ of a system that is built on corruption. I felt the suffering and pains he and his family had to endure due to falsehoods. I promised myself, and to him, that I would help him whenever the opportunity arises. I am happy I can fulfil that promise through this movie,” he said.
Zunar is under no illusion that the movie will not be divisive. “Normally in Malaysia, it is very difficult to produce historical movies, and most of the time it is told entirely from the government’s point-of-view. Here, we have set out to chronicle the events from Anwar’s perspective which many people are not aware of.”
The cartoonist believes the movie will be an important document of a dark period in the nation’s history for current and future generations and hopes it encourages Malaysians to fight against the culture of corruption that he believes is so rife within our society.
The movie was heavily researched prior to production, with over seven revisions made to its screenplay, refining it as much as possible. Zunar explained that interviews were conducted with Anwar’s family, relatives, and lawyers. Additional information from the period were obtained from the National Archives and key government documents, such as the Royal Commision Inquiry report into the abuse Anwar suffered during his imprisonment. He added that Anwar’s family have been entirely welcoming and collaborative during this process.
When enquired about fears that the movie may face heavy censorship prior to a local theatrical release, he remarked that he certainly foresees challenges during distribution. “The reason we are shooting in Indonesia is because permits for movies like these is difficult to obtain. We intend to release it in cinemas but if we are stopped, we will release it on streaming platforms. There are many options nowadays,” he said.
Prominent Indonesian director Westi was tapped by Zunar as he is a fan of her previous works, most notably 'Rayya, Cahaya Di Atas Cahaya' (2012).
“She is able to balance the spirit of art and commercialism really well. She has also done historical movies before like 'Jendral Soedirman' so I have full confidence in her and the entire team. We have some of Indonesia's best talents like Ipung Rachmat Syaiful, who is the director of photography and Anto Sinaga, who is working on the art direction.”
Westi’s documentary Serambi, produced in collaboration with directors Lianto Lusanto, Garin Nugroho and Tonny Trimarsanto was nominated for an Un Certain Regard award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2005.
Lead actor Farid, who is one of Malaysia’s highest profile celebrities, commented that he “did not have to think twice” before accepting the role. “Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is a great statesman known all over the world. Why would I refuse this opportunity? It is a dream come true for any Malaysian actor to go to greater heights in the region as well as globally,” he added. – The Vibes, November 11, 2022
