Indonesian film Marlina Si Pembunuh dalam Empat Babak (Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts) has been chosen to represent Indonesia in the nominee selection phase for the 2019 Academy Awards Best Foreign Language Film category.
The film directed by Mouly Surya was proposed by the 2019 Oscar selection committee for Indonesia, which is part of the Association of Indonesia Movie Production (PPFI) led by actress Christine Hakim. It was chosen out of 101 films.
Marlina's producer, Fauzan Zidni, who is also a member of the selection committee, told kompas.com that the committee did not make a selection based on the best film, but selected a film that was suitable for the Oscars.
"We have never entered the top five [Oscar] of nominations. Not even the shortlist," he said, adding that despite being a member he was not allowed to vote for his own film.
Each country is only allowed to submit one film for the Best Foreign Language Film category. "We would have liked to submit two or three Indonesian films; at least more than one. Unfortunately, each country only can submit one film," said Christine during a press conference on Tuesday.
Around 90 films are to compete for the coveted title at the 2019 Academy Awards.
Source: The Jakarta Post