Wanting to Migrate, A New Novel Ready to Hit the Big Screen

Kapanlagi.com - The Indonesia International Book Fair (IIBF) 2024 is an important moment for the production house Sinemata Buana Kreasindo (SBK) Productions. At this event, they introduced the novel Wanting to Migrate, a work adapted from the original story by Budi Yulianto, Executive Producer of SBK Productions.

This novel is not only an interesting read but also serves as the foundation for a film that will be produced under the same title. The adaptation of written works into film has become a trend in the film industry, especially when popular novels succeed in the market.

This process is not new; since the early emergence of audiovisual works, many novels, whether popular, contemporary, or classic, have successfully been adapted into films. Wanting to Migrate aims to take advantage of this moment, following the successful footsteps of films like The Storm Will Surely Pass and Verses of Love, which have captured the audience's attention.

“The release of the novel Wanting to Migrate also serves as a way for SBK Productions to popularize the story of the film that will be produced under the same title, Wanting to Migrate,” said Budi Yulianto.

1. Original Work by Budi Yulianto

Budi Yulianto added that IIBF 2024 is the right place to introduce the latest film production plan, which is scheduled to be released in 2025. The novel 'Pengin Hijrah' is an original work by Budi Yulianto that was later developed by Endik Koeswoyo before being written into a screenplay by Benni Setiawan.

This creative process involves Jastis Arimba as the director and Avesina Soebli as the Executive Producer, who is known for their experience in adapting novels into films. SBK Productions has full confidence in Hengki Kumayandi to write this novel, with minimal input regarding locations and characters.

2. Settings of the Story in This Novel

The story of this novel is set in interesting places such as Bogor, Belitung, and Uzbekistan, which is expected to convey a strong cross-cultural message. Uzbekistan was chosen as one of the settings because it has significant Islamic civilization sites.

This context is very relevant to the theme of hijrah in the novel, which is also inspired by a hadith from Imam Bukhari who is buried in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This spiritual spirit becomes the core of the moral story of the upcoming film.

3. Adapting Novels to Film Has Its Challenges

Jastis Arimba, who previously succeeded with religious drama films, expressed enthusiasm for this new challenge. He has conducted research in Uzbekistan to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural context that will be highlighted.

During a talk show held at the novel's launch on September 28, the speakers agreed that adapting a novel into a film has its own challenges. However, Budi Yulianto and Avesina believe that a strong novel and an engaging script can produce a quality film.

“I am grateful for the creative freedom provided by SBK Productions,” said Jastis Arimba.

(kpl/aal/dyn)