Indonesia’s Ismail Basbeth Sets Next Film ‘Love Letters of Our Life’

Indonesian director Ismail Basbeth has set “Love Letters of Our Life” as his next feature.

The director is at the Shanghai International Film Festival presenting the world premiere of his film “My Own Last Supper”, which is part of the main competition.

“Love Letters of Our Life” is set in 1995 and revolves around a long-lost romance that finds itself again after 35 years, according to Cecile Suciadi, COO of the film’s producer, Kami Sinema.

“It’s set in 1995, so it’s not so old, but not new either. Without the internet back then, it’s a bit more romantic, we want to emphasize the nostalgic romance [of the period],” Suciadi says.

The film is also inspired by the Indonesian love song “Cintaku Tak Terbatas Waktu” (Unlimited Love), popularized by singer Anie Carera and released in the same year the film is set.

Like “Supper”, the film will also deal with issues of Chinese heritage in Indonesia. Stories of the Chinese diaspora in Southeast Asia have been very much on audiences’ radar in recent months, with the runaway success of “Dear You” at the Chinese box office. That film discussed the trials and tribulations of Chinese who emigrated to Thailand after WWII, and the families they left behind in China.

“We hope next year, we can still come here again.” Suciadi says.

The film will be a reunion of sorts, with a number of crew from “My Own Last Supper” joining the production. Music producer Charlie Meliala, who has composed scores for four of Basbeth’s films, will reprise his role for “Love Letters”. Olivia Irawan Chen, who plays the main character’s daughter in “My Own Last Supper”, will also be involved in a scripting and creative production capacity.

The production aims to begin filming over August and September, with an 18-day shoot planned.