Dodid Wijanarko entered the film industry in 2003. His path led him to delve deeper into documentary filmmaking, opening his eyes to Indonesia, its people, rich culture, and history, along with the many issues surrounding it. One of his respected works is the documentary film "Au Lorun." Released in 2014, the film highlights the lives and struggles of female weavers in Flores. It showcases the intricate process of making ikat textiles and emphasizes the cultural values and traditions inherent in this craft.
The film also applies the concept of participatory media, allowing the local people to express their perspectives on how they view their traditional weaving - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323617090_Au_Lorun_I_am_Weaving
As a filmmaker, Dodid Wijanarko focuses on stories that illustrate human strength and resilience in the face of life's various challenges, as well as the importance of preserving local cultures and traditions. With a deep, research-based approach, he successfully creates documentary works that are not only entertaining but also educational, raising awareness about various cultural and social issues.
Filmologi :
1. Docudrama "I Gusti Ngurah Rai", 2013
2. Documentary film, "Au Lorun", 2015
3. Short film, "Noken, Rahim Ibu", 2023
4. Documentary film, "Derang Daring", 2024
As a fixer, Dodid Wijanarko plays an important role in the film industry. As an expert in the field, his duties may include:
Location Recce
Identifying and providing suitable locations for filming, including obtaining permits and addressing logistical issues.
Permitting
Managing all permits required for filming, including permissions to shoot at specific locations and to use private or public property.
Production Team
Organizing the production team by recruiting local crew members, providing equipment, and coordinating logistics.
Mapping and Planning
Assisting in planning shooting schedules, mapping locations, and preparing efficient work plans.
Public Relations
Establishing positive relationships with local communities and other stakeholders to ensure the filming process runs smoothly and without obstacles.
Legal and Administrative Issues
Handling legal and administrative matters that may arise during the filming process, such as contracts with crew members and copyright holders.
Experience
Dodid Wijanarko has served as a fixer for:
"The Creator" (2023) – Working with Gareth Edwards, a British filmmaker known for movies such as Monsters, Godzilla, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and The Creator.
"The Secret Lives of Orangutans" (2022) – Fixer for shooting in Gunung Leuser National Park, airing on Netflix in 2024, produced by Silverback Productions from England.
"Fateful Planet" (2021) – Collaborating on a documentary about the eruption and sediment of Lake Toba, airing on Curiosity in 2024, produced by ZDF Digital from Germany.
"Gardening Australia" (2023) – Fixer for the Indonesian episode of this TV program produced by ABC Australia.
"Culture X Design" (2024) – Fixer for the Indonesian episode of this TV program produced by ABC International.
Dodid Wijanarko has worked extensively with various film companies from abroad as a film researcher. In this role, he plays an important part in exploring and developing authentic, in-depth documentary and fictional film materials. His research encompasses local culture, traditions, history, politics, social issues, environmental issues, and more, which are then translated into compelling and inspiring visual narratives. As a film researcher, Dodid plays a crucial role in developing the concept, story, and visualization of the films to be produced.
Dodid Wijanarko's visits to various regions in Indonesia are part of his efforts to gather inspiration and material for his work as a filmmaker. Exploring different areas of Indonesia gives him the opportunity to discover unique stories, natural beauty, and cultural diversity that can be captured in his films. Such trips also allow him to gain a deeper understanding of the richness of Indonesian culture and landscapes, which is then reflected in his works. Additionally, visits to remote areas or regions that have not been widely covered by the media open up opportunities to document rarely seen aspects of Indonesian life and culture.
Some documentaries researched by Dodid Wijanarko include:
"Ice Cold: Murder, Coffee, and Jessica Wongso" (2023) – aired on Netflix. This documentary highlights the controversial case of Jessica Wongso, who was found guilty of murdering her best friend, Wayan Mirna Salihin. Jessica was accused of putting cyanide in Mirna's coffee drink at a café in Jakarta. The documentary examines the details of the investigation, trial, and various oddities in the case that captured the public's attention in Indonesia.
"David Blaine : Do Not Attempt" (2025) – A TV program set to air on National Geographic and Disney. Dodid worked as a researcher for the episode featuring Indonesia, starring the famous illusionist David Blaine. This series explores the art of Debus from Banten, West Java, for which Dodid conducted in-depth research for over six months.
"The Real Price of Indonesia's Mercury-Poisoned Gold" (June 2023) – Aired on Channel News Asia. Dodid worked as a researcher and producer for this documentary, conducting in-depth research for around six months. The film highlights illegal gold mining activities in one of the districts in Nusa Tenggara Barat Province and their impacts on the local people. It significantly influenced the provincial government, which subsequently initiated new regulations for the welfare of the locals.