Highlighting the Existence of Jazz in Malang Concept and Design of the Documentary Film Malang In Harmony
Highlighting the Existence of Jazz in Malang Concept and Design of the Documentary Film Malang In Harmony
Faculty of Letters
Visual communication design
October 23, 2024
Learning and Students, Student Learning and Activities
SDG 9
Malang In Harmony is a documentary film that highlights the beauty, struggle, and spirit in maintaining the existence of jazz music in the city of Malang. With a deep and touching approach, this documentary aims to introduce and awaken the love of jazz, especially among the younger generation. Through historical narratives and strong visuals, this film invites the audience to dive into the long journey of jazz in Malang, a city rich in culture and creativity.
Malang has a long history associated with jazz music, which once reached its peak in the previous decades. Jazz in Malang began with the colonial influence that brought this music genre to the archipelago, and later developed into a part of the local culture. This documentary begins with a flashback to the past, highlighting how jazz was once an important part of the city’s music community. Through exclusive interviews with veteran musicians, this documentary gives space to the voices of those who have witnessed the journey of jazz in Malang. The stories of jazz musicians who are now elderly hold many memories of the glory days of this genre, when jazz was an integral part of the city’s nightlife and parties. These veterans tell how jazz was once lived, appreciated, and played with great passion in various places in the city of Malang.
However, over time, the popularity of jazz in Malang began to decline. This is where Malang In Harmony plays a role as a medium to revive and introduce this genre to the younger generation. This documentary features a group of young people from Malang who have a love for jazz, trying to bring jazz back to the city’s stages. They are actively involved in the local jazz community, organizing small concerts, jamming sessions, and workshops that invite the people of Malang to get to know jazz better. Through interviews with members of the jazz community, viewers can see how they collaborate to create new spaces for jazz in the city. They talk about the challenges they face in introducing this genre amidst the onslaught of popular music, as well as their passion for bringing jazz back as part of Malang’s musical identity.
One of the elements highlighted in this documentary is how jazz, as a music full of improvisation, reflects freedom and self-expression. Through concerts and live performances, the audience is presented with intimate moments where jazz musicians in Malang pour out their feelings and thoughts. Jazz, with its characteristic rich nuances, is presented as a medium that carries messages of harmony, creativity, and solidarity. The energetic and improvisational performances of young musicians illustrate that jazz is not just music, but also a way to convey messages about life, freedom, and the struggle to find identity. This documentary attempts to convey that jazz in Malang is not just old music, but an expression that is relevant to today’s social situations and conditions.
Through a visual and emotional approach, Malang In Harmony is expected to increase awareness among the people of Malang, as well as broaden understanding of jazz as part of the richness of Indonesian music culture. This documentary not only informs, but also inspires the audience to support the local jazz community, participate in their activities, and perhaps be interested in learning more about jazz. The strong narrative delivery in this documentary is expected to attract the interest of various groups, from music lovers, academics, to the general public who want to know the history of their local culture. That way, this documentary has the potential to be a catalyst in strengthening the existence and sustainability of jazz in the city of Malang.
Malang In Harmony is not just an ordinary documentary, it is an effort to preserve jazz as a cultural heritage in the city of Malang. By combining historical stories, the spirit of the local community, and the enthusiasm of the younger generation, this film presents a portrait of jazz that is alive and full of meaning. This documentary is expected to be a bridge for the public to get to know and love jazz better, as well as provide encouragement for those who want to help revive the spirit of jazz in the city of Malang.