List of films of the Dutch East Indies explained

A total of 112 fictional films are known to have been produced in the Dutch East Indies (modern-day Indonesia) between 1926 and the colony's dissolution in 1949. The earliest motion pictures, imported from abroad, were shown in late 1900, and by the early 1920s imported serials and fictional films were being shown, often with localised names. Dutch companies were also producing documentary films about the Indies to be shown in the Netherlands. The first reports of fictional film production in the Indies date from 1923, although the work in question was not completed. The first locally produced film, Loetoeng Kasaroeng, was directed by L. Heuveldorp and released on 31 December 1926.

Between 1926 and 1933 numerous other local productions were released. Although Dutchmen like Heuveldorp and George Krugers continued to be active in the industry, the majority of filmmakers and producers were ethnic Chinese. The Tan brothers (Khoen Yauw and Khoen Hian) and The Teng Chun were major producers during this period, while the Wong brothers (Nelson, Othniel, and Joshua) were among the more prominent directors. During the mid-1930s, production dropped as a result of the Great Depression. The release of Albert Balink's commercially and critically successful Terang Boelan (Full Moon) in 1937 led to renewed interest in filmmaking, and 1941 saw thirty locally produced films. This rate of production declined after the Japanese occupation beginning in early 1942, closing all but one film studio; this resulted in several films which had begun production in 1941 being released several years later. The majority of films produced during the occupation were short propaganda pieces. Following the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence in 1945 and during the ensuing revolution several films were made, by both pro-Dutch and pro-Indonesian backers; the Dutch formally recognised Indonesia's sovereignty on 27 December 1949, leaving the Dutch East Indies defunct.

Generally films produced in the Indies dealt with traditional stories or were adapted from existing works. The early films were silent, with Karnadi Anemer Bangkong (Karnadi the Frog Contractor; 1930) generally considered the first talkie; later films would be in Dutch, Malay, or an indigenous language. All were black-and-white.

According to the Indonesian film scholar Misbach Yusa Biran, the films released during this period could not be classified as truly Indonesian films as there was no sense of nationalism within them. The American visual anthropologist Karl G. Heider writes that all films from before 1950 are lost. However, JB Kristanto's Katalog Film Indonesia (Indonesian Film Catalogue) records several as having survived at Sinematek Indonesia's archives, and Biran writes that several Japanese propaganda films have survived at the Netherlands Government Information Service.

Pre-independence

Key
Indicates uncertain year of production
TitleYearDirectorCastSynopsisRef(s).
Loetoeng Kasaroeng1926Martoana, OemarPurbararang teases her sister as the latter is dating a monkey. However, it is actually magical and, in its human form, more handsome than Purbararang's lover.
Eulis Atjih1927Arsad, SoekriaA man leaves his beautiful young wife Eulis Atjih and their child to lead a life of partying. She falls into poverty and, when he returns several years later, he is also poor.
Lily van Java1928Lie Lian Hoa, Lie Bouw Tan, Kwee Tiang An, Yah Kwee PangThe daughter of a rich man is forced to marry a person she does not love and secretly has a relationship with another man.
Resia Boroboedoer1928A Chinese woman follows a book to Borobudur temple to search for the ashes of Gautama Buddha. Upon failing, she becomes an ascetic.
Setangan Berloemoer Darah1928Tan Hian Beng looks for his father's killer and has his vengeance using martial arts.
Njai Dasima1929Lie Tek SwieNurhani, Anah, Wim Lender, MomoDasima, the mistress of a rich Englishman, is tricked into leaving him and her daughter by a greedy couple.
Rampok Preanger1929, Unknown
Si Tjonat1929May Ku Fung, Tjonat escapes from Batavia after killing one of his friends. He tries to kidnap his love interest, Lie Gouw Nio, but is stopped by Thio Sing Sang.
Karnadi Anemer Bangkong1930A comedy following the exploits of a young frog hunter named Karnadi
Lari ke Arab1930Wong brothers, OemarA ne'er-do-well Javanese man tries to escape the realities of the Great Depression by running away to Mecca.
Nancy Bikin Pembalesan1930Lie Tek SwieDasima's daughter Nancy returns to the Dutch East Indies in a quest to avenge her mother's death. This leads to the murderers' deaths.
Njai Dasima1930Lie Tek SwieNurhani, Anah, Wim Lender, MomoDasima, the former mistress of a rich Englishman, lives with the greedy couple that tricked her. When she realises that they have been dishonest, they have her killed.
De Stem des Bloeds
(alternatively, Njai Siti)
1930,, Siti awaits her lover's return. However, when he comes he cannot find her. He is able to unite with the family after his stepdaughter unwittingly falls in love with her half-brother.
Si Ronda1930Lie Tek Swie, MomoAn action film based on a previously existing work
Atma de Vischer1931N/ADocumentary following Prince Consort Duke Henry of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands in The Hague-->
Boenga Roos dari Tjikembang1931The Teng ChunOh Ay Ceng is forced to marry a rich girl. Their daughter becomes engaged but dies before marriage. Her fiancé then marries Oh's daughter from his former lover.
Huwen op Bevel
(alternatively, Terpaksa Menika)
1931An Indonesian intellectual falls in love with a woman, who is told to marry someone else.
Indonesia Malaise1931Wong brothers, OemarA young woman is forced to marry a man she does not love. He leaves her and her lover is imprisoned, making her depressed. She recovers when her lover is released.
Melati van Agam1931Lie Tek Swie,, Oemar, Norma loves Idrus but is forced to marry a rich man. Idrus falls ill and dies, and, several years later, Norma goes to Idrus' grave and commits suicide. (in two parts)
Sam Pek Eng Tay1931The Teng ChunBased on a Chinese legend. Eng Tay and Sam Pek are in love, but are separated. She is sequestered and Sam Pek is killed; Eng Tay throws herself upon his grave.
Si Pitoeng1931Wong brothers,, ZorroSi Pitung, a bandit from Batavia, faces wits with the Dutch constable A.W.V. Hinne.
Sarinah1931A romance set on the south coast of Java
Sinjo Tjo Main di Film
(alternatively, Tjo Speelt Voor de Film)
1931, A comedy based on the Schillings' radio work in Bandung
Karina's Zelfopoffering
(alternatively, Pengorbanan Karina)
1932Details the life of Raden Ajeng Karina, a woman of mixed-descent who lives in the palace at Yogyakarta
Njai Dasima1932Momo, OesmanDasima is tricked into leaving her lover and daughter by a greedy couple. When she realises that they have been dishonest, she is killed.
Zuster Theresia1932,,, Henk works in Bandung and marries his boss' daughter. Henk calls Flora to help raise his child, but she goes to a nunnery when Daisy becomes a better mother.
Pat Bie To
(alternatively, Delapan Wanita Tjantik)
1933The Teng ChunA martial arts story
Pat Kiam Hap
(alternatively, Delapan Djago Pedang)
1933The Teng ChunA martial arts story
Ouw Peh Tjoa
(alternatively, Doea Siloeman Uler Puti en Item)
1934The Teng ChunBased on a Chinese legend. A man marries a snake disguised as a woman. When the snake is discovered, she is caught but not killed as she is pregnant.
De Merapi Dreigt1934, Wong brothersN/ADocumentary on Mount Merapi, north of Yogyakarta-->
Ang Hai Djie1935The Teng ChunUnknown
Pan Sie Tong1935The Teng ChunUnknown
Poei Sie Giok Pa Loei Tay1935Poei Sie Giok, trained in martial arts since he was a child, defeats the master Loei Lo Ho, Loei's students, and Loei's wife.
Tie Pat Kai Kawin
(alternatively, Siloeman Babi Perang Siloeman Monjet)
1935The Teng ChunThe pig demon Tie Pat Kai marries a human woman. When her father drives him out, Tie kidnaps his wife and escapes. He is hunted down by two monks.
Anaknja Siloeman Oeler Poeti1936The Teng ChunA sequel to Ouw Phe Tjoa. The child of the white snake and her human husband looks for its mother.
Lima Siloeman Tikoes1936The Teng ChunA woman, aided by a cat demon, must discover which person is her husband and which is actually five mouse demons passing as him.
Pareh1936, Roegaya,, Doenaesih, Mahmud, a fisherman, is in love with Wagini, a farmer's daughter. However, local superstition dictates that their relationship will bring disaster.
Pembakaran Bio "Hong Lian Sie"
(alternatively, Moesnanja Gowa Siloeman Boeaja Poeti)
1936The Teng ChunThe gang of Kuen Luen Pai fights against that of Oen Kung Pai after a ship containing weapons is destroyed.
Gadis jang Terdjoeal1937The Teng ChunHan Nio is sold to a rich man as his wife. They live unhappily and eventually Han dies. Her former lover tries to take revenge against the husband but is killed.
Terang Boelan
(alternatively, Het Eilan der Droomen)
1937, Roekiah, Rohaya is in love but forced to marry a man she does not love. She elopes but is caught. Her lover wins her back by fighting.
Fatima1938, Kartolo,,, RoekiahFatima is in love with Idris, but the rich youth Ali tries to steal her. He is later arrested as the leader of a gang of bandits.
Oh Iboe1938The Teng ChunLo Tjin Nio, BissoeA widower remarries and focuses on gambling, while his business is run by the dishonest Kian Hwat. His daughter Loan regains the family wealth after Kian steals it.
Tjiandjoer1938The Teng ChunLo Tjin Nio, BissoeThe spoiled Kim Tjiang has his brother Kim Djin exiled from home, but their father Koan Liong later realises his mistake.
Alang-Alang1939The Teng ChunHadidjah,, Bissoe, Lena, MoesaSuhiyat is in love with Surati, but she is kidnapped. Suhiyat eventually rescues her.
Gagak Item1939, Kartolo, Roekiah, A bandit film, based on Zorro
Impian di Bali1939A couple travel through Bali. Includes comedic acts and music.
Roesia si Pengkor
(alternatively, Hadji Saleh)
1939The Teng ChunDa'ing, Bissoe, HadidjahSuti is left with her mother while her father leaves town. She is courted by several boys, including the one she loves. The two marry after overcoming the other suitors.
Dasima1940Tan Tjoei Hock,,, S TalibDasima divorces from her husband then marries Samiun. Samiun spends her money on gambling and, she asks for it back, he has her killed.
Harta Berdarah1940, Soelastri, Zonder, RS Fatimah, MoesaA rich man leaves his community in suffering while a young couple try to make their way. Eventually the rich man sees the negative influences of money.
Kartinah1940Andjar AsmaraRatna Asmara, Astaman,, Suria's wife Titi has memory problems. Suria falls in love with her nurse Kartinah and, after Titi dies in an air raid, marries her.
Kedok Ketawa1940Jo An Djan, Oedjang, Marsinah and Basuki fall in love and are protected from thugs by "The Laughing Mask"
Kris Mataram1940Njoo Cheong Seng, The noble R.A. Rusmini is in love with the commoner Bachtiar, but their love faces heavy opposition by traditional groups.
Matjan Berbisik1940Tan Tjoei HockHadidjah,, Bissoe, SaidHamid's father goes away and does not return until after his son is fully grown. By this time, Hamid and his caretaker's son are in competition for a young woman's love.
Melati van Agam1940Tan Tjoei Hock,,, S ThalibSiti Norma marries a man she does not love out of respect for her parents, but then elopes with her lover Idrus.
Rentjong Atjeh1940The Teng Chun,,, HadidjahTwo youths, Rusna and Daud, receive training to hunt and kill a pirate who left them orphans fifteen years prior.
Roekihati1940, , Roekiah, Kartolo, Roekihati is married to Mansur. He begins to stray when he meets Aminah, but as Roekihati is ever-faithful he returns to her.
Siti Akbari1940, , Kartolo,, RoekiahSiti Akbari's husband cheats on her, but eventually she finds happiness.
Sorga Ka Toedjoe1940, , Roekiah, Kartolo, Kasimin and Hadidjah, long-separated spouses, are reunited after the efforts of Hadidjah's niece Rasminah and her lover Hoesin.
Zoebaida1940Njoo Cheong Seng, Soerip, Aisah, A love story set in Timor
Air Mata Iboe1941Njoo Cheong Seng,,, SoeripSumadi takes vengeance on his siblings after they refuse to shelter their mother, Sugiati, after their father dies.
Ajah Berdosa1941Wu Tsun,,, SoetijemA man is tempted by a "modern" city woman and leaves his wife and son, only to find misfortune.
Aladin dengan Lampoe Wasiat1941Wong brothers, Benny, The poor youth Aladin falls in love with a princess and defeats the evil grand vizier.
Asmara Moerni1941, Djoewariah, A doctor falls in love with his maid, only to marry her after her fiancé dies.
Bajar dengan Djiwa1941,, Haroen, OesmanA drama following the interactions between several families, including the philanthropist Basuki and the ne'er-do-well Umar
Boedjoekan Iblis1941Jo An Djan,, Anwar, Unknown
Djantoeng Hati1941Njoo Cheong Seng,, AriatiTwo girls, the traditional Karina and modernist Roesdjana, are in competition. The film warns that modernity is not necessarily the best path.
Elang Darat1941Astaman,, Rohana, SalamParlan is called to Kresek to track down a bandit called Elang Darat, who is revealed to be Parlan's half-brother Gunawi.
Garoeda Mas1941Jo An Djan,,, Unknown
Ikan Doejoeng1941Lie Tek SwieAsmanah, Soerjono, A Thys, S PonimanAsmara is told to marry someone she does not love. She instead elopes with Sanusi and, when they are accosted by robbers, escapes into the night.
Koeda Sembrani1941Wong brothersRoekiah,,, KartoloThe story of a winged horse
Lintah Darat1941Wu Tsun, Satijem,, Kumala joins forces with Safi'i to deal with a loan shark and his wife, Kumala's selfish sister Asnah.
Matula1941Tan Tjoei Hock,,, BissoeMatula goes to a dukun, asks to be made handsome, and is told to pay with a life. He tries to use Emma as his payment, but is stopped by her father and her fiancé.
Moestika dari Djemar1941Jo An DjanDhalia,, DjoeriahUnknown
Noesa Penida1941Andjar AsmaraRatna Asmara, Astaman,, Two brothers are in love with a princess, but differences in their castes leads to difficulty.
Pah Wongso Pendekar Boediman1941Jo Eng Sek, Barja begins a life of crime after his cousin rejects his advances, while Pah Wongso investigates his crimes.
Pah Wongso Tersangka1941Wu Tsun,,, Pah Wongso becomes a suspect
Panggilan Darah1941Soetan Oesman KariemDhalia, Soerip,, Mochtar WidjajaTwo orphans work at the home of Iskak. When his wife mistreats them, they run away, but find out that they are related to Iskak and thus return to him.
Pantjawarna1941Njoo Cheong Seng, Dhalia,, Described as the first musical in the Indies
Poesaka Terpendam1941Roekiah,, Titing, KartoloA group of people go on a search for hidden treasure.
Poetri Rimba1941Aisjah, Loedi,, Bissoe, SoetiatiAchmad is taken into a village after getting lost in the jungle. He competes against Perbada for the love of the leader's daughter.
Ratna Moetoe Manikam1941Sutan Usman KarimRatna Asmara, Astaman,, Two goddesses compete for the love of an earthly king.
Selendang Delima1941, Asmana, SoerjonoUnknown
Si Gomar1941Tan Tjoei HockTan Tjeng Bok, Hadidjah,, BissoeSoebardja and Mariani are separated and left orphans after robbers kill their parents. As adults they nearly marry each other, but are stopped when their cousin recognises them.
Singa Laoet1941Tan Tjoei HockTan Tjeng Bok, Hadidjah, Bissoe, Mahmud goes against a gang of pirates led by Singa Laoet ("Lion of the Sea") to discover who killed his father twenty years earlier.
Siti Noerbaja1941Lie Tek SwieAsmanah, Momo, Soerjono, A. ThysSitti Nurbaya falls in love with Samsulbahri, but is forced to marry the criminal Datuk Meringgih to pay her father's debt.
Soeara Berbisa1941Wu Tsun,, Oedjang, SoehaenaMitra and Neng Mardinah fall in love, but the jealous Mardjohan spreads rumours that Mitra is the son of a thief. They reconcile and are revealed to be long-lost brothers.
Sorga Palsoe1941Tan Tjoei HockLo Tjin Nio,,, RohanaHian Nio is treated by as a servant by her mother. Her lover's boss, Bian Hong, marries her. However, she is distressed by the marriage, runs away, and dies.
Srigala Item1941Tan Tjoei HockTan Tjeng Bok, Hadidjah,, AisahMochtar is forced to live with his uncle after his father disappears. The cruel uncle and his son are often accosted by a masked figure known only as De Zwarte Wolf ("The Black Wolf").
Tengkorak Hidoep1941Tan Tjoei HockTan Tjeng Bok,, Misnahati, BissoeDarmadji and his friends go to Mustika Island, where they witness Maha Daru being reborn after 2,000 years. They must defeat him to survive.
Tjioeng Wanara1941Jo Eng Sek,,, Tjioeng Wanara rebels against the cruel king of Galuh.
Wanita dan Satria1941Djoewariah,, A womaniser named Soedrajat abuses his status to gain women's trust before ultimately getting his comeuppance.
1001 Malam1942Wu TsunUnknown
Boenga Sembodja1942Dhalia,,, AnwarUnknown
Mega Mendoeng1942Boen Kim Nam, Oedjang,, Kustini is betrayed by her friend Sujono, but they later reconcile.
Poelo Inten1942, Djoeriah, Noersani, Unknown
Berdjoang1943, Sambas, Dhalia, KartoloAnang and Saman compete for the love of Hasanah. After Anang joins the Japanese army, Hasanah decides she wants to be with him.
Di Desa1943Roestam Sutan Palindih, Garkiah, EpenUnknown
Di Menara1943Roestam Sutan Palindih, Garkiah, EpenUnknown
Kemakmoeran1943Unknown
Djatoeh Berkait1944Astaman, Kartolo, DiminUnknown
Hoedjan1944, Dhalia, Unknown
Keris Poesaka1944Unknown
Koeli dan Romoesha1944Propaganda promoting the romusha programme
Key
Indicates uncertain year of production

Post-independence

TitleYearDirectorCastSynopsisRef(s).
Djaoeh Dimata1948Andjar AsmaraRatna Asmara,,, Soelastri must go to Jakarta to earn a living after her husband Asrad goes blind.
Anggrek Bulan1948Andjar Asmara,,, Kati is in a love triangle with Atma and Subrata, but Atma has other to worry about.
Air Mata Mengalir di Tjitarum1948Roestam Sutan PalindihSofia,,, Unknown
Aneka Warna1949, Mochsin,, The story of Dul Kalong and Mat Codot, two fools from the Aneka Warna troupe who live in poverty.
Bengawan Solo1949Jo An TjiangSofia,,, A village woman's two children are raised by different families after she drowns herself in the Solo River.
Gadis Desa1949Andjar Asmara,,, Abu Bakar falls in love with his landlord's daughter despite having a wife.
Harta Karun1949,,, HerawatiSuliati and Ahmad are in love, but Suliati's father will not bless the relationship because Ahmad is poor.
Tjitra1949,,, Harsono takes Suryani's virginity then flees to the city, where he is caught up in a murder case.
Menanti Kasih1949,,, DjoeriahHusni Anwar discovers his schooling was paid for by Rachman, and now he must marry Rachman's daughter.
Saputangan1949,, Noorsini, Hardjono goes blind while at sea, but has an operation to give him back his sight.
Sehidup Semati1949,,, During a trip to Bandung Kusmayadi proposes to Asmarani despite already being betrothed to Lasminah.

See also

References

Bibliography

. Sejarah Film 1900–1950: Bikin Film di Jawa . History of Film 1900–1950: Making Films in Java . Indonesian . Misbach Yusa Biran . Jakarta . Komunitas Bamboo working with the Jakarta Art Council . 2009 . 978-979-3731-58-2 . Sejarah Film 1900–1950: Bikin Film di Jawa .

. George McTurnan Kahin . 1952 . Nationalism and Revolution in Indonesia . Cornell University Press . Ithaca, New York . 978-0-8014-9108-5 .