KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 — Indonesian actress Dian Sastrowardoyo has spent more than two decades building a career across film and television, with roles that have made her one of the country’s most recognisable actresses.
Audiences might recognise her in films such as 2001’s Whispering Sands and What’s Up with Love?, as well as the more recent Netflix series Cigarette Girl, which won outstanding web series at the 2024 Bandung Film Festival.
Her connection with Malaysian cinema also goes back more than two decades, beginning with a cameo in Saw Teong Hin’s 2004 film Puteri Gunung Ledang, which starred Tiara Jacquelina and Datuk M. Nasir.
More recently, Dian returned to Malaysia to work with filmmaker Woo Ming Jin on the Malaysia-Indonesia production The Fox King, this time in a leading role.
The film, which was released in Malaysian cinemas on September 17, sees Dian play Lara, an English teacher, alongside Malaysian actors Idan Aedan and Hadi Putra.
Speaking during a recent media session at TintaBudi Bookshop in TTDI Plaza, Dian described making the film as a short but enjoyable experience, saying she quickly fell in love with the script before preparing for and filming the project within just a few weeks.
The production also meant spending time away from her family during the fasting month as she travelled to Malaysia for filming.
Hoping for The Fox King Indonesia rollout soon
The Fox King has since travelled the international festival circuit, with screenings at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and Busan International Film Festival before arriving in Malaysian cinemas.
For Dian, the next step is seeing whether the film can also reach Indonesian audiences.
Speaking to Malay Mail, she said she hoped the film would eventually be screened in Indonesian cinemas.
“I hope it can be played in cinemas in Indonesia because it hasn’t got the chance to be played in the cinemas.
“There are so many films that want to go to the cinemas, and I think The Fox King is also in the queue to go to the cinema,” she said.
More Malaysia-Indonesia collaborations
Acknowledging the recent wave of Malaysia-Indonesia collaborations, Dian welcomed the growing exchange between Malaysian and Indonesian filmmakers and actors.
She said greater collaboration between the two countries would allow both industries to learn from one another.
“I think it’s really fantastic that the collaborations are happening so fast.
“I think it should happen more and more.
“I am looking forward to more opportunities to work with Malaysian filmmakers, and I’m looking forward to Malaysian filmmakers collaborating more and more with Indonesian filmmakers.
“I think in order to grow and learn together, we need to have a lot of collaborations.”
Dian said the exchange could also create more opportunities for actors from both countries, pointing to Malaysian actors Chew Kin Wah and Bront Palarae as examples of Malaysian talent finding roles across the border.
“So many stories are being filmed, so many stories are being told, so we need to collaborate,” she said.
Acting and seeing life from different perspectives
Looking back at her career, Dian said acting had also changed the way she viewed herself and the people around her.
“I think I learned a lot by becoming an actor.
“I think becoming an actor makes me very observant as a person, and I learn more about my own character,” she said.
“Growing up, there is a lot of growing that happens in your character.
“You become more dewasa (mature), right? I think by becoming an actor, you can take so many angles and points of view that enrich your own.”
She said taking on different characters and perspectives had allowed her to better understand people while also encouraging her to reflect on her own character as she continued to grow.
Looking ahead
Dian said she remained open to working with more Malaysian filmmakers, describing her experience with Woo on The Fox King as an enjoyable one.
She also spoke fondly of the late Malaysian filmmaker Yasmin Ahmad and her work, while expressing interest in collaborating more with filmmaker Amir Muhammad.
Currently, Dian already has more work in the pipeline, including The Sea Speaks His Name, an upcoming Indonesian political drama also starring Reza Rahadian.
The film is set to have its world premiere in the competition section of the 31st Busan International Film Festival next month.
For now, Dian hopes Malaysian audiences will head to cinemas to experience The Fox King, which is currently screening nationwide.
