Behind the scenes with Indonesian film producer, Lala Timothy.
I met Lala earlier this year when she walked into the KARTINI island boutique on Gili Air for a chat, and of course some batik swimwear! Since then I have been following Lala’s story, and her amazing career as a film producer here in beautiful Indonesia.
Lala has worked on a multitude of celebrated and awarded films, built her own production house, and led the Indonesian Film Producers Association. Lala is Jakarta born and bred, and lives there with her four kids Alexander, Lea, Celesta and Lizzy.
I was fortunate enough to be able to chat to Lala about her work, personal style, thoughts on sisterhood, and tips for aspiring film producers.
Lala wearing a KARTINI Batik Bandeau
How would you describe your personal style?
Casual, comfortable, simple and chic.
Who influences your style and what makes you feel inspired?
It changes!
Lala wearing KARTINI Eco Activewear in Black + Tan Batik
Can you tell us a little bit about your journey as a film producer?
Before starting out in the film industry, I actually worked in the advertising and music industries. Since moving into film, I have produced 'Pintu Terlarang' (The Forbidden Door) which won Best Film at Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (PIFAN), 'Modus Anomali' which won the Bucheon Award at the 4th Network of Asian Fantastic Films (NAFF) in South Korea in 2011 and 'Tabula Rasa', which received 4 awards at the 2014 Indonesian Film Festival. I am also an Advisory Board Member for the Association of Indonesian Film Producers (APROFI).
My latest film, '212 Warrior' is 20th Fox Century’s first co-production venture in South East Asia.
What does your typical day at work look like?
If we are not in production, I arrive at the office at around 10am, do a heap of paperwork, prepare pitches and proposals, and head home around 5pm.
It’s completely the opposite if we are in production, I work around the clock!
What are you working on at the moment?
I just finished working on a food documentary series 'Once Upon a Time in Chinatown', a documentary series about 7 legendary Chinese restaurants in West Jakarta, also known as Jakarta's Chinatown. This series explores food and cooking but also tells the story of the restaurant owners - their struggles, passions, love, family and culture. Here is the trailer.
Lala in our Maluku Onepiece in Kayu Batik
What advice would you give to women starting out in film production?
I would actually give the same advice to men or women starting out in the film industry, as I think the challenges are the same for both genders - and women are just as capable as men!
To work in the film industry, if film is really your passion, you have to be a tough cookie. You have to be resilient and fight for your dreams! The film industry is totally dynamic and in order to keep up, you really need to be engaged and committed to learning.
On holidays in our Maluku Onepiece in Black Clouds
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not on set?
Cooking and spending time with my kids, family and friends.
You travel a lot for your work, what are your favourite spots around Indonesia?
That’s a tough question. But one of the most amazing places I have ever visited in Indonesia is Banda, a spectacular remote island brimming with history and stories.
What does Sisterhood mean to you?
Unconditional love. It's about accepting each other exactly as we are, and always, always supporting one another - through good times but especially during difficult times.
See Lala’s work and show her the power of our sisterhood by following her on IG @lalatimothy