The Strategy to Address "Chinese"-Ness Theme in Indie Movie in Post New Order Era

Abstract

: "Chinese"-ness identity is always problematic in Indonesian society which makes it an interesting theme in film production, especially in indie film. The success in addressing this theme will determine the position of Chinese society in Indonesia because the function of a movies is to influence their audience. Therefore, social constructivism can be used as the approach to see the social agent practice in determining his own values through a movie production. A movie production needs related intellectual aspect, institutional authority, and creative design. In creative design, the agent position is explained through theme and problems. The usage of language cannot be separated in addressing the theme and problems. Language will bring up the signifier to represent subjective ideas and thoughts in subconscious region about possible social facts of the "Chinese"-ness. In post New Order era, the agent chooses indie movie stream which is idealistic, free, and independent. The agent brings the ideas and thoughts from the subconscious region into the conscious region to create the new understanding about "Chinese"-ness in his creative work to encourage sympathy and provoke the emotion of the audience. This is used as the strategy to change the perspective of the society about "Chinese"-ness so that the cultural product of "Chinese"-ness will rise.