Film 'ZERRE: EAST HORIZON WARRIOR' Brings a Plethora of Moral Messages - Igniting the Spirit of PON XX in Papua

Kapanlagi.com - The film industry is currently trying to recover after being down for a while due to the pandemic. Cinemas have started to reopen, although the number of visitors is still limited and strict health protocols are implemented. Several new film titles are starting to emerge, such as ZERRE: PENDEKAR UFUK TIMUR.

This film, directed by R Jiwo Kusumo, is scheduled to be released on October 7, 2021. ZERRE: PENDEKAR UFUK TIMUR was made in collaboration with the National Sports Committee (PB) PON XX Papua 2021 with the hope of boosting the enthusiasm for national sports.

"We conducted research beforehand and it took quite a while before the shooting process. We present a film work with a very strong moral message in the field of sports," said R Jiwo Kusumo during a press conference in the Cilandak area, South Jakarta, on Friday night (10/1/2021).

Through this film, Jiwo also wants to showcase the natural beauty of Papua. During the 1-month shooting process, he and the production team took locations in five cities in Papua, namely Jayapura, Timika, Biak, Merauke, Wamena, as well as natural tourist attractions such as Teluk Yotefa, Air Terjun Harapan, Bukit Buper Waena, and Pantai Base G.

"Papua is the greatest natural wealth in Indonesia. Our filmmakers rarely feature Papua in their works. Hopefully, after this, Papua can become a target for filmmakers," explained R Jiwo Kusumo.

1. Moral Message in the Film 'ZERRE: PENDEKAR UFUK TIMUR'

Photo Credit: Personal Documentation

The moral message brought up by Jiwo in this film is the struggle of a man named Zerre (played by Yudas Alep Itlay), a son of Papua with martial arts talent who wants to become an important part of his homeland through PON XX Papua. However, his journey is not easy. He has to confront the human trafficking and drug syndicate along the way to achieve his dream.

Meanwhile, Yuanita Ardistia, as the producer from Kalachakra Multi Sinema, believes that the film 'ZERRE: PENDEKAR UFUK TIMUR' can become a spear and a catalyst for the spirit of young people in achieving their dreams.

"We really want the younger generation to love sports, especially pencak silat, like what Zerre does. Moreover, Papua is the paradise of Indonesia. The beauty of nature there should be showcased in a cinematic work," concluded Yuanita Ardistia.

In addition to Yudas Aleh Itlay, this film also stars Aditya Zoni, Aisyah Aqilah, Verdi Solaiman, and many others.

2. Aditya Zoni Becomes an Antagonist Character

Photo Credit: Personal Documentation

As additional information, this is a comeback moment for Aditya Zoni in the acting world after a long hiatus from soap operas. The younger brother of Ammar Zoni admitted that he did not expect to be entrusted with the role of an important character named Drio in the film ZERRE: EAST HORIZON WARRIOR.

"I am very happy to be trusted by Mr. Jiwo to play this character, Drio. This is my first time experiencing being a bad person. This is my debut film and also my first time going to Papua. When I was offered the role, I accepted it without hesitation," said Aditya Zoni when met in the Cilandak area, South Jakarta, on Friday (1/10/2021) night.

Yes, the 21-year-old man got the role as an antagonist in this film. In addition, Aditya was also required to perform intense martial arts scenes.

"Learning martial arts for three months is not easy. So I had to start from scratch until I could do martial arts. Fortunately, everything went smoothly," he explained.

During the 25-day shooting, mostly in Papua, Aditya Zoni had an impressive experience. He witnessed the friendliness of the local residents, which was far different from the stigma formed in society that Papuans are fierce and tough.

(kpl/gtr)