As the sun sets on Campuhan Ridge, the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival comes alive with exhilarating performances and enthralling films. The After Dark program is packed with some of Indonesia’s premier artists, musical acts and films in a family friendly atmosphere. From an intimate and moving performance by Papermoon Puppet Theatre, to the blasting bass of all-girl Indonesian metal band Voice of Baceprot, to an under the stars screening and behind-the-scenes conversation with the man behind the Despicable Me and Minions franchise, read on for a selection of highlights from the Live Music & Arts and Film Programs at UWRF17 (25 – 29 October).
Live Music & Arts Program Highlights
Origins: 26 October, Blanco Renaissance Museum, 18:30 – 22:00, IDR 100,000 (tickets available online or on the door)
Supporting young Indonesian creatives to pursue a career in the arts is a core objective of the not-for-profit UWRF. Join a special fundraising evening for the Festival’s free professional pathways program, Emerging Voices, showcasing Indonesian theatre, dance and diverse geography like never before. With performances by Indonesia’s premier puppet theatre group, Papermoon, and Indonesia’s leading dancer-choreographer, Eko Supriyanto, taking the stage, this is Indonesian creative arts at its finest.
The Next Generation: 27 October, Festival Hub, 18:30 – 23:00, free
On the third day of UWRF17, get to know the next generation of Indonesian artists. Featuring performances from the Festival’s Emerging Writers, the soaring vocals of musical duo Aya & Laras BTMDG, a tribute to Balinese poet Vivi Lestari, and a screening of Javanese director Yosep Anggi Neon’s celebrated biopic, Istirahatlah Kata-kata (Solo, Solitude), this evening is a strictly red and white affair.
Rocking Against Prejudice: 28 October, Festival Hub, 19:00 – 22:00, free
Recently featured in the New York Times and played on National Public Radio across America, Voice of Baceprot (VoB), the all-girl three-piece metal band from West Java, are smashing stereotypes of young Muslim women. After warming up with the soothing vibes of Bali’s Pluto Band, get ready for a free evening of music featuring VoB and the jailhouse rock of Kerobokan Prison band Antrabez.
Film Program Highlights
hUSh: 26 October, Festival Hub, 18:30 – 20:30, free
The fourth film from Djenar Maesa Ayu, hUSh is a collaboration with Singaporean filmmaker Kan Lumé. Starring singer Cinta Ramlan, it follows an aspiring singer from Bali who travels to Jakarta seeking success. There she encounters the usual pitfalls; ambitious and insincere boyfriends, materialistic impulses, and fast friendships. When a breakup causes extreme heartache, she journeys home. Featuring Q&A with co-directors Djenar Maesa Ayu and Kan Lumé.
Filosofi Kopi 2: Ben & Jody: 26 October, Festival Hub, 20:30 – 23:00, free
Filosofi Kopi, directed by Angga Dwimas Sasongko and based on the short story by Dee Lestari, was a major hit in Indonesia. In the highly-anticipatedsequel, after two years of traveling around Indonesia distributing the ‘best coffee’, the adventures of Ben and Jody and their faithful Kombi hit a dead end. Featuring Q&A with Chicco Jerikho.
Minions by Moonlight: 27 October, Blanco Renaissance Museum, 19:00 – 21:00, free
Meet the voice of Indonesia’s unlikely ambassadors, the diminutive and lovable yellow Minions, appearing on everything from motorbike helmets to biscuits across the nation. Join French-Indonesian voice actor and co-director of the blockbuster Despicable Me and Minions film franchise, Pierre Coffin, for a screening of the latest installment Despicable Me 3, and a behind-the-scenes conversation under the stars. Featuring Q&A with co-director Pierre Coffin.
Bali Advertiser readers can save 20% on 4-Day and 1-Day Main Program Passes by entering the code MPBA17 at booking checkout.