Guerilla through Creative Work

Kompas/Herlambang Jaluardi

Youths from the Class of Acting (Casting) group practice role playing in the yard of Benteng Rotterdam, Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Thursday (19/10). The ambition of local youths to pursue a career in the entertainment industry has strengthened after several Makassar-produced films were played in national theaters.

In the past few years, young people’s interest in film has been burgeoning. Previously, young people struggled to establish their own film industry. Today, Makassar has its own film industry, with its own movie stars, directors, producers, fans and investors. No wonder, then, young filmmakers in Makassar are confident in saying, “The film industry exists not only in Jakarta. We also have one in Makassar!”

In the late 1990s, a handful of young people in Makassar began making films. As many other teenagers were busy brawling, they were busy making films that were then screened in public and in local communities. The films were screened in schools or buildings other than movie theaters, with cheap entrance fee. The filmmakers themselves received little pay or, in some cases, only a thank you. Nevertheless, these budding directors were satisfied that their films had found an audience.