FILMS NARRATIVES AND IMAGINED COMMUNITIES: MULTIPLE INTERPRETATIONS OF INDONESIA SOCIETY CONSTRUCTS NATIONAL IDENTITY
Idola Perdini Putri (a), Prof. Madya EllisHa Nasruddin (b), Assoc. Prof. Juliana Abdul Wahab (c)
a) Communication Program Study, Communication and Business Faculty, Telkom University, Bandung, Indonesia
b) Graduate School of Business, University Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
c) School of Communication, University Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Abstract
The independent film industry, has been taking the prime role in promoting controversial films that encourage the communities to think with their own notion of national identity in Indonesia, since the post-reformation era. The aim of this paper is to utilized the Benedict Anderson (2006) imagined community concept, in analysing the notion of national identity, within the dimensions of collective memory (historical memory and horizontal comradeship) and geographical boundaries. The analysis will cross linking into the various identity lenses and the discourse of the Pancasila. Analysis of four independent films and 27 interviews with the industry stakeholders shared the multiple interpretations of national identity: (1) demonstrated the society-s memory on issues surrounding fundamentalism, poverty, patriarchy and gender roles, racism and discrimination, society judgement and tolerance, and patriotism in the society; and (2) the alignment of film directors in the formulation of national identity within the concept of Pancasila through the present of nation-s symbols such as national song, flag, identity card, uniform, and national language. However, the film community also tries to inform that the issues arouse in the society which mostly relates to the values of Pancasila, not something that does not need to be given attention both by the society and government.
Keywords: Independent Film, National Identity, Imagined Community, Pancasila
Topic: Strategic Management, Entrepreneurship and Contemporary Issues