US Committed to Supporting Indonesia's Creative Economy
The Oscar-nominated Raya and the Last Dragon is Disney Animation’s first feature film fully inspired by the people and cultures of Southeast Asia.
IDXChannel - United States ( US) Embassy Jakarta in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios is bringing Dr. Steve Arounsack, lead cultural advisor and visual anthropologist for Disney Animation’s Raya and the Last Dragon, to Indonesia on 9-17 November.
The Oscar-nominated Raya and the Last Dragon is Disney Animation’s first feature film fully inspired by the people and cultures of Southeast Asia.
The program in Indonesia will include a series of skills-building activities for future writers and filmmakers alongside feature length screenings. The program is part of US government’s support for Indonesia’s creative economy and strengthening networks within film and animation production industries.
“Film is a huge area of potential growth between our two countries. We hope to see more collaboration between our film companies and educational institutions in this and other creative industries,” explained US Embassy Jakarta Cultural Attache, Emily Norris, in a media release on Friday ( 10/11/2023).
Throughout the week, Dr. Arounsack is leading a series of workshops and discussions on aspects of animation and visual storytelling with the next generation of Indonesian animators and filmmakers in partnership with film and art schools and animation studios in Batam, Surabaya, Semarang, Kudus, and Jakarta. The sessions will also explore the themes of intergroup tolerance and cooperation and broader Southeast Asian identity woven throughout the film.
“These masterclasses celebrate the synergy between writers and story artists in the creation of animated films and unveil how 'Raya and The Last Dragon' was inspired by the strong affinity filmmakers have for Southeast Asia,” said Vineet Puri, Vice President and General Manager, The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia.
“By exploring the creative journey behind this fantasy adventure feature, we hope to ignite young future storytellers and creatives in Indonesia to also pursue their passion in the world of animation," Puri.
Raya and the Last Dragon head of story Fawn Veerasunthorn, who grew up in Thailand, noted, “The challenge for this movie was that we are inspired by the whole region, which is eleven countries. It was important that, no matter where in Southeast Asia they are from, people can watch this movie and see part of themselves in it.” ( WHY)