A young boy, Dimas, has grown up with the symbol of Bawor being a constant in his life growing up in the city but as he grows he begins to question what the figure represents. On asking his older brother, Dito, the story of Bawor becomes clear, but Dimas is alarmed to find himself transforming into the jovial figure.
“Locality of Banyumas (Bawor)” review is part of the Submit Your Film Initiative
A quick and playful look at a local myth known as Bawor, Bagas Wisnuardi's “Locality of Banyumas” (Bawor) cuts straight to the point in introducing Bawor and what he represents. Additionally, the short film shows both actors embodying Bawor in amusing ways, with Azhar Egi Fregiansyah as Dito, taking to the streets and forests to dance as the charismatic figure, and JR. Argha Langit as Domas, having his moment of shock finding he has transformed into the clown-faced local legend.
At 8 minutes, there is not much to be taken away from the production beyond its simple set-up and execution, but Bagas Wisnuardi manages to make it an entertaining foray, albeit one with limited substance. However, productions of this ilk do have their place, and while the value feels minimal for an 8-minute look at what Bawor is to a family and community, the production is entertaining despite its brief existence.
Presentation-wise, the short is competently constructed under its budgetary restrictions, and Wisunardi is able to inject a lot of personality into the visuals through the dances of Bawor in the jungle and in the city as Dito relays the story of the figure to his younger brother. The audio is also suiting in these sequences, further giving a defined identity to conveying the story of Bawor. Essentially, the presentation keeps to the same simplicity of its content and message, making it complementary to the narrative while falling at being overly impressive or inventive.
While the duration makes it difficult to critique the performances, Azhar Egi Fregiansyah's dances embodying the spirit of Bawor are, undeniably, amusing and well executed. Comparatively, JR. Argha Langit has little in way of dialogue, despite the film being based around the youth's inquisitive nature, and adds little to the production though, more importantly, doesn't take anything away from it either.
In its brief existence, the value of Bawor is limited in both subject matter and approach, focusing on local lore and structured in a way that approximately 4 minutes contains actual dialogue. However, Bagas Wisnuardi's short film still manages to engage its audience and teach them a bit about the mysterious figure. I know I won't forget Bawor, and any viewers probably won't either. In that regard, the film is a success, but don't go in expecting anything beyond it meeting this singular goal.
