He was one of the famous Indonesian screenwriters and film directors of his era. This Moscow State Institute of Cinematography graduate (in 1965) loved to write short stories, poems and literature essays in his teens.
One time he played in a number of films as an extra. In 1956 his work Kerontjong Kemayoran was filmed under the title of Saodah. He worked in Persari in the writing department, and then became assistant director for the film Anakku Sajang (1957). A year later he received scholarship to study film in Moscow and graduated with his final project Bajangan, based on the work by American novelist Erskine Caldwell. Sjuman graduated cum laude and was the 7th and the only non-Russian that graduated with such honors since the academy was founded in 1919. He returned to Indonesia in 1965. In 1966 he was appointed as chairman of Directorate of Film Deppen that he held until 1968. In his tenure, there was the birth of SK. Menpen no. 71/1967 regarding the collection of funds… read more
He was one of the famous Indonesian screenwriters and film directors of his era. This Moscow State Institute of Cinematography graduate (in 1965) loved to write short stories, poems and literature essays in his teens.
One time he played in a number of films as an extra. In 1956 his work Kerontjong Kemayoran was filmed under the title of Saodah. He worked in Persari in the writing department, and then became assistant director for the film Anakku Sajang (1957). A year later he received scholarship to study film in Moscow and graduated with his final project Bajangan, based on the work by American novelist Erskine Caldwell. Sjuman graduated cum laude and was the 7th and the only non-Russian that graduated with such honors since the academy was founded in 1919. He returned to Indonesia in 1965. In 1966 he was appointed as chairman of Directorate of Film Deppen that he held until 1968. In his tenure, there was the birth of SK. Menpen no. 71/1967 regarding the collection of funds through imported films whereas the funds would be used to increase production and rehabilitation of national cinema. It also gave birth to National Film Board Production in early 1968 that produced several movies. After serving as chairman of Directorate of Film Deppen, Sjuman was active in filmmaking. He wrote many screenplays and sometimes acted as well. His screenplay Pengantin Remadja (1971) won an award at 1971 FFA while his first directorial work Lewat Tengah Malam attracted the attention of film critics. He became a member of Jakarta Arts Council (1968 – 1973) as well as head of LPKJ Cinematography Academy that he held until 1973. In 1973 he founded PT Matari Films with its inaugural production Si Doel Anak Betawi that launched the career of child star Rano Karno after previously made the film Flamboyan (1972). Besides Pengantin Remaja (1972), Sjuman’s film that also received award for best story was Laila Majnun (1975) at 1976 FFI in Bandung. He was awarded as Best Director for Si Mamad (1973) at 1974 FFI and at 1977 FFI in Jakarta he was chosen as Best Director for his work Si Doel Anak Modern (1976). He wrote the screenplays for all the films he directed, including Pinangan (1976 and Yang Muda Yang Bercinta (1977). —Indonesian Film Centre
