THIS IS IT, 106min., Netherlands
Directed by Trieu Hyunh
An Amsterdam band creates and records a song in 1 day. The result is taken to Gili Trawangan, Indonesia. There, the band leader Trieu, finds amazing Gili musicians to study and to invite for a collaboration. The Gili musicians get to see their own shows. In the process, Trieu refinds an old lost friend.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Being a regular to Gili Trawangan, I noticed the amazing talent and skills of the Indonesian musicians on that tiny island. Knowing their hard work, I wanted to do something to create a bigger stage for them, outside of Gili as well. At some point, I decided to make a documentary. I have made short documentaries before, but this was the first feature documentary film. Talking to several people about the idea, I put myself under pressure and basically just started with test shoots and all was going very well.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

The first idea was raised in june 2023. Then the execution was accelerated because the Amsterdam studio owner was going on holiday for 6 weeks, so we had to rush towards shooting 6 weeks sooner than expected. After the shooting day in Amsterdam, when we recorded the song, 5 days later I was in Gili. In Gili there were 8 shooting days. There was a rough idea, but I left open to the odds what was going to happen. On Gili, we planned a day, shot a day, at night I edited and showed the results to the musicians. The musicians watching their own shows is part of the documentary as well. I just wanted to helpt the musicians by showing them their own amazing performances. The biggest burden of a musician is that you rarely get yourself properly. I gave that to them. And them watching themselves, was also part of the film.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Feel good.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

The post-production towards 5.1 audio and a digital cinema package. It is just an intensive process.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

Insightful and please that they liked it and highlighted what we found important.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

When I saw these amazing musicians, who deserved to be properly documented.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Avengers end game

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

Our visuals are not on the website, I would like to have heard the dates, I would wanted to drop by, I would loved to have a ceremony for the winners

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Good.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Nasi goreng

11. What is next for you? A new film?

Adventure...!