Amok (2013)
A short Indonesian documentary tracing how a rediscovered poetry archive sparked a bold new hip-hop performance decades later.
Amok - Movie Information
- Original Title: Amuk
- Release Year: 2013
- Directed by: Ari Rusyadi
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary, Music
- Runtime: 40m
- Original Language: Indonesian
- Spoken Languages: Indonesian
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 14, 2014 (Indonesia - SU)
- Production Companies: GoodNews Film
Amok - Plot
In 1976, Indonesian contemporary poet, Sutardji Calzoum Bachri, reads his poetry collection titled 'Amuk'. After 37 years, the sound record archive of that event is found in Jakarta Art Council. Using the archive, Rencong a.k.a DANGERDOPE, a hip-hop DJ from Aceh staged a music show.
Amok - Trailer
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Amok - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ari Rusyadi
Main Cast
- DANGERDOPE
- Sutardji Calzoum Bachri
Producers
- Shirley Tamara
Amok - FAQs
What is Amok about?
Amok documents how a long-lost sound recording of Indonesian poet Sutardji Calzoum Bachri reading his 1976 collection 'Amuk' was rediscovered at the Jakarta Art Council. Hip-hop DJ DANGERDOPE, known as Rencong, then used that archive to create and stage an original live music performance blending poetry and contemporary sound.
Where can I watch Amok online?
Streaming availability for Amok may vary by region and platform. You can check current viewing options, including any rental or subscription services carrying this Indonesian documentary, by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming information across multiple platforms in your area.
Who directed Amok?
Amok was directed by Ari Rusyadi. The film was produced under the GoodNews Film banner, with Shirley Tamara serving as producer. Cinematography was handled by Teguh Rahmadi, and the film was edited by Ahmad Hasan Yuniardi.
Is Amok based on a true story?
Yes, Amok is grounded entirely in real events. It draws on an authentic 1976 audio recording of celebrated Indonesian poet Sutardji Calzoum Bachri reciting his poetry collection 'Amuk'. The archive was genuinely rediscovered at the Jakarta Art Council, and DANGERDOPE's subsequent music show was a real staged performance.
Who are the main people featured in Amok?
The film centers on two key figures: Sutardji Calzoum Bachri, one of Indonesia's most prominent contemporary poets, who appears through archival footage of his 1976 poetry reading; and DANGERDOPE (also known as Rencong), a hip-hop DJ from Aceh who builds a live music show around that rediscovered recording.
What language is Amok in?
Amok is an Indonesian-language documentary. Both the archival footage of Sutardji Calzoum Bachri's 1976 poetry recitation and the contemporary sequences featuring DANGERDOPE's music performance are conducted in Indonesian, reflecting the film's deep roots in Indonesian cultural and literary heritage.
How long is the documentary Amok?
Amok has a runtime of 40 minutes, making it a short-form documentary. Despite its brief length, the film covers a rich cultural journey — from a 1976 poetry archive to a modern hip-hop stage performance — offering a concentrated and immersive viewing experience.
What are films similar to Amok?
Viewers who enjoyed Amok may also appreciate other music and arts documentaries such as Let's Get Lost (1988), Folon (2021), SIMON! The Joy of Conducting (2025), Fabinho (2017), and Sociology Is a Martial Art (2001). Each explores creative figures and cultural legacies through an intimate documentary lens.
More About Amok
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