Ceh Kucak Gayo: The 2th Screening Movie on Aceh as part of the International Conference and Cultural Event of Aceh 2008

Oct 4th, 2008 (Saturday) 7:30pm
EWCPA Weekly Movie @ Hale Manoa First Floor Lounge

“Ceh Kucak Gayo” [The Little Gayo Singer]

Director, Script: Nan Triveni Achnas; Photography: Winaldha Melalatoa; Editing: Sentot Sahid; Music: Tina Sylvana; Sound: Jun Mahir; Appearance: Kabri Wali; Producer: Mira Lesmana,Garin Nugroho; Production Company, Source: Miles Productions.

From Anak Seribu Pulau [1996]; Documentary on Indonesian children from various areas, portraying their ways of life, cultural values, ethnic background, and environment. The Little Gayo Singer is an aesthetically shot portrait of an extraordinary ten-year-old Indonesian boy. A major performer in the traditional form of sung poetry, Kabri rehearses with his father's team in preparation for a marathon singing competition. Together with glimpses of his life as an ordinary village child, the images of his intense concentration and strong presence are moving.

Director's Statement

The first time I met Kabri Wali, I was immediately struck by the way he carried himself amongst all the adults in the room. He was very self-assured and joined us in conversation while taking sips of coffee from his father's cup. When he sang, I could feel the goosebumps appearing on the back of my neck, a sure sign that means yes, oh yes, this is the singer we were looking for. During the shoot, Kabri had an attack of conjunctivitis which made him irritable and moody. We could not postpone the didong competition and were hoping for the best while shooting around Kabri. But the minute he came on stage he forgot about his eyes and performed so beautifully. There were so many elements of the Gayo culture that I wanted to explore at length. The intricacies of didong, for example, which reflects the character and socio-political framework of the people in Central Aceh. It was one of the subjects that I hope to come back to in the near future.