I had the chance to watch Merantau movie workshop. It was on short notice as I read the promotion one day before (and I thought it was some kinda secret exclusive movie premiere). It was basically just meet and greet, trailer and confidential promo viewing.

I got to see the director (Mr Evans), the producer (Ario Sagantoro), main actors – I saw Iko, Yayan(the actor not the character) and the legendary Christine Hakim (so funny my friend didnt notice Iko and Christine Hakim by her side). This show was hosted by a popular host (I dont remember his name since I dont watch television) and he did a good job. They started of by showing some demo of silek harimau (Iko) and , this was the best part, they brought a silat expert (Ade) and the movie choreographer (Edwel Datuk Rajo Gampo Alam)!! Mr Ade explained the current exposure of silat worldwide including the rise of Vietnam di dunia persilatan. Mr Edwel gave a lot of info about silek harimau, how they were exclusively taught (originally silek harimau was the weapon of the king’s special guards).

Next, meet and greet. Iko was too shy (I feel sorry for the fan girls). Yayan told about his inability to smile (and the host cleverly made joke about this when a girl was about to get a souvenir from him). Mr Evans told about his interest in silat and how he finally decided to make this movie with the producer and Christine Hakim (and she ranted about current movie trends in this country and our appreciation for our own culture for a long time, mostly I agree with). Funny thing when the host asked Mr Evans to do some silat.

Mr Evans told us that most actors has martial background (like Iko with silat betawi, or Laurent Buson with shaolin!!). Aside from initial performance by Iko, we also got to watch silek demonstration in pair, Yayan with Iko and Mr Edwel with Iko (funny act by Iko at the end of demonstration).

I give an early thanks to Mr Evans for showing much interest in our culture. Hopefully this will make our current generation do the same and look for an exotic material of our own rather than foreign-made one. Maybe I should pick my saluang up again.

Well, to complete the experience. I got a lot of movie souvenirs and a ticket-for-two Merantau premiere. Now I need to find a date…

EDIT : I forgot to mention that Edwel Datuk Rajo Gampo Alam was the choreographer on Sengsara Membawa Nikmat. He made Sandy Nayoan cry.

Tags: harimau, merantau, movie, silat, silek

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