Review: Learn About Human’s Struggle Through “Turah” Movie
Not everyone is privileged enough to live a life full of fortune. It is certainly the case of people who live at Kampung Tirang, Tanah Timbul a village located at northern coast of Central Java. “Turah” a film directed by Wicaksono Wisnu Legowo brought the real life story of the citizens there into an independent movie produced by Fourcolours Films. Using Javanese language with Tegal accent, it tells about the struggle of people on obtaining fresh water, electricity and other basic necessities that should have been provided by the government. “Turah” is starring theater players from Tegal, with Ubaidillah as Turah, Slamet Ambari as Jadag, Yono Daryono as Darso, Rudi Iteng as Pakel, and Narti Diono as Kanti. People of Kampung Tirang always lived with pessimism and fear of many things. This particular state of mind was utilized by Darso and Pakel to their own advantage. People are trapped in this satanic cycle without a way out until finally Turah and Jadag led them to get away from power and fortune hungry people. “Turah” which means leftover in Javanese, has a meaning to make these weak people stand on their own two feet, so they won’t become leftovers.
This film was powerful and strong in capturing the reality of people who live in a rural area that is far from government’s concern. During a press conference held on Sunday, 6 August 2017 the cast and crews of “Turah” said that acting wasn’t a new thing for them. But it is the first time for the cast to play in a long feature film which gave them a lot of challenges. Slamet Ambari for example said that this film is like a miracle for him. Before he was appointed to play the role of Jadag, he fell ill and could not barely stand. However, upon hearing the news about the role, Slamet Ambari was instantly recovered and he played his role so well and enlivened “Turah”.
Produced by Ifa Isfansyah, “Turah” has been screened on several international film festival since 2016 including Singapore International Film Festival, Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival 2016, Bengaluru International Film Festival 2017, Asean International Film Festival and Award 2017, Seoul Intenational Agape Film Festival 2017, Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2017 & Asia Pasific Screen Award 2017. The film will be screened nationwide starting on 16 August 2017. A great coincidence with Indonesia’s Independence Day to remind people that within 72 years of independence, there are still people who are not affected with the country’s economic and infrastructure development. “Turah” made it to Best Foreign Language Film category as a representative from Indonesia on the 90th Academy Awards. The good news was announced yesterday in a press conference, the film will still have to undergo further selection process before included on the awarding night next year. Good luck and hopefullt “Turah” will make history on Oscar!
