Potato Head Films presents After The Flags

Amidst the seemingly endless tides of crises that grasp our present moment, artists around the world have thrust themselves into the forefront of change – taking responsibility to confront the deepest questions of our time through their work.

How do we want to live in harmony with our planet?

Who will we be to each other?

Arahmaiani has sought to answer these questions throughout an enduring and spiritual journey. Obscuring the lines between artist and activist, she has walked a winding path for over four decades, molding her into one of Indonesia’s most enigmatic, respected and recognisable artists of our time.

One of her iconic works came as a direct response to a deadly 6.4 magnitude earthquake in Yogyakarta in 2006. Bringing together a tapestry of diverse communities around the city, Arahmaiani mediated a process of intensive self-inquiry and dialogue on the impermanence of life, and of love and belonging in the context of their local wisdom. With the help of seamstresses, the communities created several flags bursting with colour. At the centre of each is a woven word in their native Jawiscript reflecting ideas and values held at the centre of a particular community.

A performance was devised not long after, with members of the communities parading the streets in front of curious onlookers, waving each flag back and forth and creating a symbolic gesture of harmony between differences. With this act of social healing, The Flag Project was born, and has since been replicated in cities around the world. Throughout Asia, Australia and Europe, Arahmaiani has utilised the project as a tool to facilitate conversations within communities of different faiths, religions and beliefs.

In the spirit of this ongoing project, Potato Head welcomes the release of AFTER THE FLAGS, a unique and refreshing visual narrative directed by one of Indonesia’s talented up-and-coming filmmakers, Kathleen Malay.

Equal parts experimental film and environmental activism, the film paints a complex and stunning picture – highlighting the destructive patterns of human nature as well as its ability and potential to coexist in harmony with the natural world.

This dichotomy is portrayed through the use of powerful symbolism and a kaleidoscope of ambient soundscapes that weave us into a space between interconnected realities – inviting us to contemplate the significant changes required not only on the island of Bali, but on a regional and global scale. This position allows us to exercise one of our greatest gifts: the power of choice.

AFTER THE FLAGS stands as a visual poem that extends its arm out, asking us to join the open-ended interplay between our imagination and the messages of hope embedded onto each flag. “Ewako”, meaning “brave” from the local dialect in Makassar. “Guyub”, meaning “harmonious” in Javanese, or “Taksu” the Balinese word for a spirit or state of being that is in balance with human and divine qualities. The intricate dance of these flags within the film prompts us to contemplate the vast human experience we all share.

As director, Kathleen Malay represents the importance of having a young creative female force expanding the essence of Arahmaiani’s career-spanning work to a whole new generation; bridging new connections with the viewer and the communities that have contributed to it.

Born in 1988 in Jakarta, Indonesia, Kathleen is both a filmmaker and musician. She has directed innovative music videos and creative short films for the likes of Gabber Modus Operandi, Melati ESP, Rully Shabara, The Brandals, Gangsar (FKA. Rollfast), Ora Iso and others.

A lifestyle and hospitality brand of which sustainability forms the very bedrock of its operations, Potato Head Bali, has commissioned the film. To coincide with the release of this latest short, an experiential installation of the artist’s flags featured in the film will be on view.

Both film and installation remind us that a simple flag can be a hopeful representation of a united pursuit towards a common goal: a future that transcends the progressive commodification and industrialisation of our planet, and honors an approach to life inspired by the wisdom of ancient cultures and in balance with the natural world.

Written by Rudolf RG Perez

CREDITS

Director: Kathleen Malay (@iannisxanaxis)

DOP: Deska Binarso (@desbins)

Creative Director: Pete Pepper Keen (@viaplanetearth)

Line Producer: Candra Dewangga (@dewanggacand)

Original Score: Kaazi (@kaazi_)

First Assistant Director: Sabrina Sasa (@sabrinasash)

Second Camera Operator: I Made Denny (@denny.chrsn)

Executive Producer: Rob O’hare (@robohare)

Project Manager: Rizky Rahad (@rich.rahad)

Editor: Reza Tene (@rezatene)

Production House: Lynxfilms (@lynxfilms)

Commissioned by: Potato Head Films (@potatoheadbali)

Casting: Asep Kamaludin (@balicasting.id)

Unit Production Manager: Ashari Fahmi (@indomiegoreng.double)

Art Director: Muchlas Arek (@muchlas_arek)

Drone Pilot: Rachmat Hidayat (@ram_matteo)

Grip & Camera Guard: Salman Poris (@karet_2pedas)

Set Dresser 1: Wayan Juliawan (@julian_bali9)

Set Dresser 2: Yoman Arianto (@kupitcupitkupitcupit)

Executive Post Producer: Trima Wulandari (@trimawulandari24)

Online Artist: Aditya Pradana (@aditspace)

Online Support & GFX: Apen Syarief & Ona (@apensyaripudin & @onaiseu)

Production Secretary: Arti Riyanti (@artiriyanti)

Location Manager: Raynhard Bernard (@raynharddirck2)

Location Runner: Jhon Glen Sopacua (@johnn.glen)

Data Wrangler: Herdiansyah (@dijans)

Colorist: Ibnu Fajar (@ibnudawn)

Assistant Colorist: Kaia Parahita (@kaipw_)

Post Production Supervisor: Chrestella C. (@stellacle_)