UMN Lecturer’s Feature Film Debut “Autobiography” Represents Indonesia at The 2024 Oscars

“Autobiography” officially represents Indonesia in the 2024 Oscar Cup. (Doc. Makbul Mubarak)

TANGERANG – The Indonesian Oscar Selection Committee has decided that the movie “Autobiography” will represent Indonesia at the 2024 Oscar Cup. The film, made by UMN Film lecturer Makbul Mubarak, will compete with various countries to be nominated for the “Best International Feature Film.”

Previously, the Indonesian Oscar Selection Committee had selected one of around 100 Indonesian films that aired from December 1, 2022-October 31, 2023. Makbul said this decision will open up opportunities for a wider audience for Autobiography, especially in the United States.

The Oscar Cup is the highest award event for filmmakers in the United States. The “Best International Feature Film” category is awarded to non-US and non-English feature films.

“In addition, it is also important that Indonesian films continue to be active in contributing to world cinema; one of the ways is by continuing to submit films to the Oscar Cup every year, regardless of which film is chosen by the Committee,” said Autobiography’s director and scriptwriter Makbul Mubarak.

UMN lecturer Makbul Mubarak won the 2022 Citra Cup in the “Best Original Screenwriter” category. (Doc. Indonesian Film Festival)

This is not the first achievement for Autobiography. This suspense thriller genre film has been screened at several international film festivals and won many awards. For example, “FIPRESCI Prize” at Venice Film Festival, “Grand Prix for Best Film” at Tokyo FILMeX, “Best Screenplay” at Asia Pacific Screen Awards Australia, “Best Directorial Debut” at Stockholm Film Festival, “Best Original Screenplay” at Citra Cup 2022.

The movie Autobiography tells the story of the relationship between a household assistant, Rakib (Kevin Ardilova) and his employer, Purna (Arswendy Bening Swara). Rakib looks after an empty house owned by Purna, a retired soldier. One day, Purna returns to visit the house to campaign as a regent candidate. Rakib discovers unexpected things about his employer.

The message in the movie Autobiography focuses on past history that affects the behavior of the most delicate human life in the present. (Doc. Makbul Mubarak)

Makbul hopes that Autobiography can be a platform for exploring human beings who cannot be separated from their history, even affecting their most subtle behavior in the present. The movie also offers a thrilling viewing experience. According to Makbul, it is that feeling that ultimately becomes the appeal of Autobiography.

“I like suspenseful movies, so I tried to make one too. Autobiography is the result,” says Makbul.

In the creative process, the lecturer who teaches film theory and history at UMN’s Film Program advised filmmakers to love the process rather than focusing on illusions of recognition. He also advises filmmakers to focus on the story, emotions, and experiences they want to convey to the audience.

“Like the appointment to represent Indonesia at the Oscars, there is only one thing on our minds: how to present the best we can to the audience of our future films,” he explained.

By Melinda Chang | UMN News Service

English translation by Levina Chrestella Theodora

Kuliah di Jakarta untuk jurusan program studi Informatika| Sistem Informasi | Teknik Komputer | Teknik Elektro | Teknik Fisika | Akuntansi | Manajemen| Komunikasi Strategis | Jurnalistik | Desain Komunikasi Visual | Film dan Animasi | Arsitektur | D3 Perhotelan , di Universitas Multimedia Nusantara. www.umn.ac.id