"Ngeri-ngeri Sedap" selected to represent Indonesia to compete at 2023 Oscars

Do you remember the recent big screen appearances of Tika Panggabean and Arswendy Bening Swara? The film "Ngeri-ngeri Sedap" starring the two stars has been confirmed to represent Indonesia at the 95th Academy Awards (2023 Oscars).

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science opens opportunities for movies produced outside the United States to compete at every Oscars. Selected foreign films will compete in the category of Academy Awards for the Best International Feature Film. 

This year, "Ngeri-ngeri Sedap" was chosen by the jury of the Oscar Selection Committee for Indonesia 2022 to represent Indonesia to compete with the hope that it can win an Oscar.

The decision came out after the selection on Monday (12 September). Tempo reported that in determining the film that represents a country to compete at the Oscars, there are various standards set by the committee. One of the requirements is that a film must have a minimum seven-day theatrical run.

The jury that decided on "Ngeri-ngeri Sedap" consisted of senior film industry players, starting from Deddy Mizwar and Zairin Zain to Armantono, Cesa David Luckmansyah, Garin Nugroho, Ilham Bintang, Niniek L Karim, Slamet Raharjo and Yadi Sugandi.

"This is the maximum result that can be attained by the Indonesian Oscar selection committee. For the rest, let's pray together, hopefully this year the film can be successful at the Oscars," said Deddy Mizwar who served as chairman of the committee.

“Ngeri-ngeri Sedap” was directed and written by Bene Dion Rajagukguk. The heartwarming comedy tells the story of the life of a Batak tribal family affected by modern life.

During its screening, the film attracted three million viewers. Apart from Arswendy and Tika, this film stars several other players, namely Boris Bokir, Gita Bhebhita Butar-butar, Lolox and Indra Jegel.

Indonesia has been trying to submit its big screen works to the Oscars since 1987. Director MT Risyaf's film “Nagabonar”, starring Deddy Mizwar, was the first to be registered.

"However, they have never succeeded in bringing home an Oscar from," said Ilham Bintang, member of the committee, in his official broadcast on Tuesday (13 September).