How acting connects cultures and industries worldwide | Bukie Basudewa Mansyur | TEDxLSPR

The speaker, Buki Basu Manur, an actor, shares his passion for acting, which he considers more than just a career. He recounts how acting has taken him to extraordinary places, like a secluded Japanese village for a movie role involving chicken fighting, where he witnessed illegal tournaments and learned to care for the birds. He also describes the extensive prosthetic makeup required for some roles. His passion led him to Hollywood for the premiere of his film "Pabri Gula." He recalls the surreal experience of stepping foot in the U.S. for the first time, a dream come true for a kid who grew up watching blockbuster movies. Beyond the glamour of the red carpet, he valued the networking opportunities at a condo in West Hollywood, where he met producers, directors, and fellow actors. Discussions revealed shared passions for storytelling and representing cultures, despite industry differences between the U.S. and Indonesia. He highlights how their film premiere showcased Indonesian culture not only through the story but also through their traditional attire, which sparked conversations. He emphasizes the richness of Indonesian culture, including folklore and ghost stories, like the "Pochong," which was used in the short film "Heirlooms" to represent women's irrational fear when facing patriarchy. This film achieved global reach, facilitating cultural exchange. He also mentions a viral musical series retelling "Siti Nurbaya," demonstrating how digital platforms allow Indonesian culture to reach audiences worldwide. Acting, for him, is also about stepping into another's shoes, like portraying Carl Henry in "Catch Me If You Can," which offered a deep dive into 1960s American culture. He concludes that acting is not just entertainment but a bridge connecting cultures, industries, and people, fostering empathy, open-mindedness, and understanding.