Being the Opening Film of Jakarta Film Week 2023, Screening of 'BUDI PEKERTI' Welcomed by Enthusiastic Audience

Kapanlagi.com - Jakarta Film Week made BUDI PEKERTI, directed by Wregas Bhanuteja, as the opening film of the annual festival. This is the first screening of the film in Indonesia after traveling to prestigious festivals around the world.

On the opening night, the auditorium of CGV Cinemas Grand Indonesia, which has a capacity of six hundred and thirty seats, was filled with the audience. This enthusiasm energized Wregas as a director to continue creating.

"For me, it's the energy after venturing abroad, international festivals, finally coming home. And the reaction at home is the energy that motivates us to create again," said Wregas on Wednesday night (25/10/2023).

1. Curious Audience Reaction

Budi Pekerti © KapanLagi.com/Adi Abbas Nugroho

Before being screened at the Jakarta Film Week, BUDI PEKERTI had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and was also shown at SXSW Sydney. Although watched by many people, Wregas Bhanuteja felt a different sensation.

"There is a different nervousness both internationally and domestically. Outside, we wonder if people will relate to the film, while domestically we are curious about the audience's reaction. Two different things," said Wregas.

2. Two Phenomena on Social Media

The film BUDI PEKERTI tells the story of a teacher who faces criticism after a video of their angry outburst goes viral on social media. Wrega Bhanuteja revealed that the idea for this film is a combination of real-life situations.

"I have seen many mothers who have gone viral on social media because a few seconds of them being angry were recorded, and the next day it becomes a meme, a remix video, animation, and everything. Then these mothers are bullied by people around them and feel uncomfortable living at home," explained Wregas.

"There is also a teacher at school who went viral for giving punishment to students. I combined these two phenomena to create a perspective, an observation. Because it is very easy for netizens to judge someone based only on a 15-second vertical video," he added.

(kpl/abs/phi)