The UGM Vocational College (SV UGM) held a limited screening of the film Setan Alas at Empire XXI in Yogyakarta on Sunday (Oct. 20).
Although not yet officially released in theaters, this film, directed by Yusron Fuadi, a lecturer in the Department of Electrical and Informatics Engineering at SV UGM, has been nominated for Best Film at the Cinequest International Film Festival in the Science Fiction & Thriller category and had its world premiere screening in Texas, USA.
This horror film tells the story of a group of university students who decide to camp at an old house inherited by Ani (played by Putri Anggi) in a mysterious forest.
The house has a classic horror atmosphere, featuring a dry old well, cracked floors, eerie paintings, a mysterious villa caretaker, and the dark secrets of Ani’s family who once lived there.
The climax of the story occurs when Budi (played by Abraheem Abdulwahhab) mysteriously dies after being stabbed in bed with Ani.
The tension escalates as the remaining four friends begin to suspect each other of being Budi’s killer. When they attempt to escape, their car’s tires suddenly go flat, forcing them to fight for survival through the forest.
The film stars young actors such as Putri Anggi as Ani, Abraheem Abdulwahhab as Budi, Anastasia Herzigova as Wati, Adhin Abdul Hakim as Iwan, and Winner Wijaya as Amir.
Additionally, renowned filmmaker Hanung Bramantyo appears as Young Hanung, an amateur screenwriter.
Yusron Fuadi, the director of Setan Alas, explained that the idea for the script came from the thought that a writer’s characters can develop their intelligence and consciousness.
These characters seem trapped in uncertainty, where their lives and deaths are influenced by the writer’s imagination and production constraints.
“Is fate predetermined, or do we have full control over our lives? If it’s predetermined, why bother? If we have full control, why do we sometimes feel powerless?” Fuadi said, reflecting on the philosophical theme underlying the story.
Acclaimed director Bramantyo expressed his admiration for Yusron and the ideas in the film’s script.
“To me, the script and storyline are truly mind-blowing. I believe Yusron can create an exceptional film, and I deeply admire the ideas he brings to the table,” he said.
While the official release date for the film in theaters has not yet been determined, the Dean of SV UGM, Professor Agus Maryono, stated that this film involved collaboration across all faculties and other universities outside of UGM.
“The cast includes not only SV UGM students but also those from other faculties. The filming involved UGM students and vocational high school students from across Indonesia, making it part of their learning process,” he said.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia also showed her support during the limited screening.
“Congratulations to the SV UGM team. And I promise I will advocate this film to the ministry,” Professor Emilia said, demonstrating the university’s commitment to supporting the creative industry.
The Draft! is the second film produced by SV UGM. It follows the 2018 film Tengkorak, which was nominated for Best Film at the Cinequest International Film Festival in the Science Fiction & Thriller category.
Setan Alas continues this legacy, winning Best Storytelling, Best Film, and Best Editing awards at the Indonesian Screen Awards during the Jogja-Netpac Film Festival.
Fani, the producer of Setan Alas and a lecturer in the Department of Economics and Business SV UGM, mentioned that the film has received positive responses at various international events.
“Two weeks ago, we received an invitation for a world premiere screening in Texas, and the feedback was incredible. On Nov. 2, we’ll be heading to London for another screening, and on Nov. 16, to Toronto,” Fani revealed.
Author: Rahma Khoirunnisa
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afif