INDONESIAN MOVIE CLUB
Kartini. Princess of Java (2017) 122’
The script of this historical feature film is based on extensive documentary and field research. It tells the life story and struggles of Indonesia’s most popular female figure. The story is playing in the early 1900’s, a period when Indonesia was still a Dutch colony. On the island of Java, local aristocrats, supported by the Dutch, administered economic, cultural and daily life. It was in their interests to preserve the gap and differences between the various groups of society. Access to education and the pursuit of studies were the privilege of the aristocrats only. Not to mention that women could not dream of continuing studies on a higher level, even if they were born into a royal or princely family. Regardless of social rank, the only goal of Javanese women, was to marry well and become a good wife. The protagonist of the film, Kartini, is also of aristocratic descent, but she is guided by a sense of justice and solidarity that leads her to consistently confront traditions believed to be immutable and unchangeable. Her endeavours eventually gained such significance she is regarded as the national heroine for female emnacipation and her birthday, 21 April, is today commemorated as Kartini’s Day.
Directed by Hanung Bramantyo
Programme series related to the ongoing exhibition at Ferenc Hopp Museum of Asiatic Arts, titled Trance | Dance | Bali. On the Photos of Gill Marais.
Realised in co-operation with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia to Hungary and Benczúr Ház Kulturális Központ.
Attention! Films are screened on the original language, with English subtitles!
Suitable for any audience.
