Setan Jawa

Still of film Setan Jawa by Garin Nugroho with music by Rahayu Supanggah and Iain Grandage, live performed by the Rahayu Supanggah Gamelan Orchestra and the Nederlands Kamerorkest, programmed at Holland Festival 2017.
The island of Java suffered from grinding poverty at the beginning of the twentieth century. People sought refuge in Javanese mysticism, especially the mystic practices which promised wealth. Setan Jawa (‘Javanese devil’) is the tale of a poor man from the countryside who falls in love with the daughter of an aristocratic family. He makes a pact with the devil to become wealthy and gain her hand in marriage. The price of this happiness unfolds in a tragic love story. Director Garin Nugroho – whose films include Opera Jawa which was screened at the International Film Festival Rotterdam – took inspiration for his new silent dance film from the dark atmosphere and style of classic films including Nosferatu and Metropolis. The soundtrack is performed live by the Rahayu Supanggah Gamelan Orchestra and the Nederlands Kamerorkest. Composed by Rahayu Supanggah, who has previously collaborated with Robert Wilson, and Iain Grandage. A magic-realist masterpiece of contemporary Indonesian cinema.