New War Epic in Development by Visinema
EXCLUSIVE: Visinema, a prominent Indonesian film studio, has embarked on its most daring project yet, a war epic directed by Angga Dwimas Sasongko.
The film, titled Perang Jawa (The Java War), represents a significant venture for Visinema, known for producing the blockbuster animation Jumbo. The film is produced and directed by Sasongko, with Gita Wirjawan serving as executive producer and Taufan Adryan handling the production. Development has begun, aiming for a production kickoff in 2027.
The plot of Perang Jawa focuses on the historic five-year battle led by Javanese Prince Diponegoro against Dutch colonial forces from 1825 to 1830. This rebellion, marking its 200th anniversary just a day before the film’s announcement, resulted in over 200,000 deaths and nearly brought the Dutch colonial administration to its knees.
Script and Historical Accuracy
The screenplay for Perang Jawa was penned by Citra Award-winning writer Ifan Ismail, who collaborated with renowned Diponegoro scholar Peter Carey. Carey, known for his definitive book ‘The Power of Prophecy: Prince Dipanagara and the End of an Old Order in Java, 1785–1855’, helped ensure historical accuracy. The rebellion is a symbol of Indonesian resistance against Dutch rule, leading up to Indonesia’s official recognition in 1949.
Following the unprecedented success of Jumbo, which became Southeast Asia’s top-grossing animation and the highest-grossing Indonesian film as of June 1, Visinema is poised to make another impactful entry into the cinema world.
The team behind Perang Jawa is set on delivering a film that not only resonates with Southeast Asian audiences but also appeals globally. They aim to craft a cinematic experience that intertwines regional mythology, moral themes, and the area’s historical resistance narratives.
Director Sasongko expressed his vision for the project, emphasizing the creation of a war epic that mirrors the grandeur of global cinema while weaving in unique Southeast Asian perspectives. He aims for a film that immerses viewers into the intense dynamics of the Java War, highlighting its spiritual and cultural dimensions.
Gita Wirjawan added that the film’s protagonist, Diponegoro, was not merely a warrior fighting for control but was driven by deeper motives such as respect, identity, and sovereignty. His story is considered one of the most potent yet underappreciated narratives in the region, and the cinematic medium offers a powerful platform to bring this story to life for both regional and global audiences.
Further details regarding casting, co-production partners, and international distribution are expected to be released progressively, as per Visinema’s plans.
In conclusion, Sasongko noted the rich tradition of compelling storytelling in Southeast Asia, from epic historical narratives to intimate personal tales. With Perang Jawa, Visinema hopes to add a new layer to this tradition by presenting a story that is deeply rooted in regional values and history while also engaging audiences worldwide.
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