The film 'ANAK KOLONG' presents an emotional and dramatic theme of a family's service to the nation

Kapanlagi.com - There is one film title that is quite interesting to look forward to, namely ANAK KOLONG. This film raises a unique story theme, namely the life background of public servants. But don't get it wrong, this film directed by Sony Gaukasak also offers an emotional story, especially regarding family relationships and romance.

Agustinus Sitorus as the producer stated that the creative process of ANAK KOLONG has been ongoing for three years. This film was born from extensive discussions with Bambang Dirgantoro (the idea originator) and Soga (the director), who agreed to create a romantic drama set in the lives of military families in the 90s.

"Anak Kolong in its time had distinctive characteristics of a tough life, thick drama, and often conflicts with friends, seniors, or parents. We want to position this film as a romance drama that depicts conflicts of friendship and family within one circle," said Agustinus in a press release received by KapanLagi.com.

ANAK KOLONG is produced by PIM Pictures in collaboration with MAXStream Studios, Black Stone Pictures, Layar Production, Binasol Entertainment, and Tabia Pictures. The film is scheduled to be released in theaters starting November 7, 2024. Before that, check out the brief synopsis below..

1. Synopsis 'ANAK KOLONG'

Still Photo of ANAK KOLONG (Photo credit: PIM Pictures)

ANAK KOLONG follows the journey of Arya (Junior Roberts), a teenager raised in a military environment with strict discipline and high expectations from his father. As a 'child of a soldier' (a term referring to children from military families who grow up in barracks or military housing complexes), Arya is shaped by values of responsibility and patriotism. However, conflict escalates when Arya refuses to follow in his father's footsteps to become a soldier.

"Playing Arya in ANAK KOLONG gives me a very unique experience. The life of a military child, or a child growing up in a military environment, has very specific and complex characteristics. It's not just about high discipline, but also how they face pressure and great expectations from a young age. I feel fortunate to dive into a character like Arya and understand dynamics that I may have never experienced before. Hopefully, the audience can also see this rarely discussed yet meaningful side of life," said Junior Roberts in a release received by KapanLagi.com.

In addition to Junior Roberts, ANAK KOLONG also stars Aisyah Aqilah, Antonio Blanco, Rizky Hanggono, Bonny Putra, Suheil Bisyir, William Roberts, Robert Chaniago, Ida Rhijnsburger, Jamila Saleem, Daod Saleem, and Jo P Project.

2. Exploring the Broader Meaning of Love

Still Photo of CHILD UNDER THE TABLE (Photo credit: PIM Pictures)

Anak Kolong highlights the theme of friendship among the children of state servants, a love triangle, and an emotional journey about loss and sincerity. This film also explores a broader meaning of love—not only love between humans but also devotion to the country and duty, depicting the inner struggle of a child from a kolong in choosing between personal love and patriotic responsibility.

Several Indonesian officials and political figures who also grew up as children of kolong support and appear in this film, such as Bambang Soesatyo (Chairman of MPR 2019-2024), retired TNI General Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita (Minister of Industry 2019-2024), and Pontjo Sutowo (Chairman of FKPPI). Their life experiences provide inspiration to show how strong the influence of discipline and military values is in shaping the character and life journey of children who grow up in such an environment.

"My hope as a producer is that Anak Kolong can be widely enjoyed in cinemas, accepted by audiences, and appreciated as a film that is not only entertaining but also a character-driven film in Indonesia, considering that there are still few films with this genre of storytelling," concluded Agustinus.

(kpl/gtr)