Making a Religious Drama Film 'TUHAN, IZINKAN AKU BERDOSA', Hanung Bramantyo Admits No One Wanted to Fund

Kapanlagi.com - The religious drama titled TUHAN, IZINKAN AKU BERDOSA had its world premiere at Jakarta Film Week 2023. Hanung Bramantyo, as the director and screenplay writer, revealed that the desire to make this film arose after witnessing numerous cases of sexual abuse within Islamic boarding schools.

"Actually, this film would never exist if the current religious situation in our country was not as it has been lately. There have been numerous cases of sexual abuse within boarding schools, and there is ongoing abuse among religious leaders, or they believe that those who hide behind religion have the right to commit abuse," said Hanung, during an interview at CGV Cinemas Grand Indonesia, Central Jakarta, on Friday (27/10).

1. No One Dares to Invest

MVP Pictures

The film TUHAN, IZINKAN AKU BERDOSA (God, Allow Me to Sin) is adapted from the controversial novel titled TUHAN, IZINKAN AKU MENJADI PELACUR (God, Allow Me to Become a Prostitute) by Muhidin M. Dahlan. The screenplay was written by Hanung Bramantyo and Ifan Ismail during the pandemic. Hanung admitted to having difficulty finding investors before MVP Pictures finally joined.

"The screenplay for this film has been ready since the pandemic, but no one dared to invest. Unlike Mr. Raam Punjabi. Maybe Mr. Raam didn't read the screenplay," joked Hanung.

"It is not my responsibility to read the screenplay, but my team's responsibility, and they said it should be produced. I would like to thank Hanung for creating a masterpiece for MVP Pictures and the Indonesian audience," said Raam Punjabi, the producer, on the same occasion.

2. Hoping for a Safe Release in Cinemas

The film TUHAN, IZINKAN AKU BERDOSA has not yet been released in Indonesian cinemas. Due to the controversial issues it brings, Hanung Bramantyo and Raam Punjabi hope that there will be no obstacles upon its release.

"I want it to be shown in cinemas. But during President Jokowi's period, freedom of democracy and expression are strongly supported, while some radical groups have been restrained. Hopefully, everything will be safe in the future," said Hanung.

"Do not stop making films that provoke controversy. Films that provoke controversy from a clear perspective," added Raam Punjabi.

(kpl/abs/sry)