Behind the Screen: The Story of Gedung Pusat Perfilman H. Usmar Ismail (PPHUI)

account_circle Divita Fauzia
event 06 May 2024
category Film
behind-the-screen-the-story-of-gedung-pusat-perfilman-h-usmar-ismail-pphui

Gedung Pusat Perfilman H. Usmar Ismail (PPHUI) is a building located on Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kuningan, Kav. C-22, South Jakarta. As its name suggests, it houses a theatrical and concert hall, Indonesia's national film archive center, and a library offering comprehensive sources of film history—all open to the public. Additionally, PPHUI provides office and co-working spaces that can be easily rented through their online platform.

PPHUI offers incredibly convenient access via public transportation, as it's located right next to the Rasuna Said LRT station and Transjakarta bus stop. 

Honoring Usmar Ismail: The Father of Indonesian Cinema

PPHUI was officially inaugurated by former Jakarta Governor, Ali Sadikin, on October 20, 1975, as an act of appreciation for the contributions of Indonesian film director and writer, Usmar Ismail. His dedication and unwavering spirit significantly elevated Indonesia's film industry, ultimately earning him the title of "pioneer of Indonesian cinema".

Usman Ismail (1921-1971) had always been passionate about the film industry. From a young age, he actively participated in his school's theater group, Algemeene Middelbare School (AMS-A II), Yogyakarta, honing his acting skills. This early engagement paved the way for a successful career in cinema, further bolstered by his studies at the prestigious University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Usmar possessed a deep understanding of the film industry, even having the opportunity to work with the Dutch production company, South Film Festival. However, he did not consider the two films he participated in during this period to be solely his own work.

Driven by his dream of becoming a film director, Usmar established "Perfini Studios", Indonesia's first film studios, in the 1950s. His film, Darah dan Doa (English Title: Blood and Prayer), is widely considered the first truly Indonesian film. Its impact on the industry was so significant that the movie's first shooting day is now celebrated as National Movie Day in Indonesia. 

Following their success, Usmar Ismail and the National Film Company of Indonesia (Perfini) continued to captivate audiences nationwide with their captivating films. 

Usmar Ismail's passing on January 2nd, 1971, sent shockwaves of grief across the nation, deeply affecting Governor Ali Sadikin, who served Jakarta from 1966 to 1977. Recognizing the immense impact Usmar Ismail had on Indonesian cinema, Governor Sadikin swiftly initiated the construction of a film center in Kuningan, South Jakarta, as a lasting memorial to the iconic filmmaker. 

The inauguration, held on October 20, 1975, was attended by Ali Sadikin himself. Through this event, he expressed his hope that PPHUI could become a platform for gathering ideas, opinions, and quality film works.


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