For Your Visual Pleasure...

Afterthoughts

If one word can sum up this whole Kado Kendo movie project, it would be "Grace". We learn that God was by our side all along as always. We learn that nothing is impossible as for as long as we have the faith to take the leap. We also learn that a movie project can be real fun.

Having seen all those audiences filling in the theatres was a wonderful experience. In a way, we got to share some of life's messages in a way and environment that are familiar to them. The movie itself was not bad. Not bad at all. Funny and touching while maintaining its objective in delivering some Christian values to the audience. And the feedbacks were generously positive. We are proud to have taken the opportunity to go ahead and take on the project even if we were nowhere near scratch.

And we also learn that God has blessed us with abundant skills and resources within our church. As for now, REACH Production will plan another project and any updates will be posted on the website below:

http://reachproduction.com.au/

For more information about the movie and future movie screenings:

http://kadokendo.com/

If you're keen on friendster:

http://profiles.friendster.com/40734741

Or try the wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kado_kendo

Screening Days

The movie was screened on three consecutive days; on the 6th, 7th, and 8th of September 2007. The response was exciting, full house on the last two screenings. The events ran smoothly and every activist took part ensuring so. Here are some of the audience response and clips of screening documentary made by a local Indonesian tv channel:



We all looked good in that t-shirts no? I heart Kado Kendo.

The Soundtrack

Original songs written by our own church members. Awesome.

The Inevitable Post-Production

A squad of movie editors were brought in for the post-production tasks. Even the soundtrack manager was working overtime. Lots of attention were given to details with some little touches here and there. All of those with the deadline fast approaching, funny thing that the incidental glitches happening now and then only served to prove that God was always helping us out. Ask the guy whose computer turned mysteriously more co-operative at the last minute of editing.

Then there were decisions to be made; to screen once or more? where and when? what's the stake? should we or shouldn't we? Are we allowed to do this and that? And the promotion team also had lots of work to do; getting sponsors, organising events, managing finance, you name it.

We did our best, and let God do the rest.

and the Production Came Next...

There was the weather factor, in Melbourne, you mostly never know what you'll get. Summer season was not an excuse for the colds, clouds and rain to not show up unexpectedly. Not that we're complaining, 'cause summer sunshine can get a little bit too strong at times. Then there was the scheduling. And the management of extras. The tasks seemed never-ending.

But we strove to get things done, though never failing to get some entertainment on our own from the occasional goofs on set that somehow managed to emerge now and then.

The soundtrack has to also be taken care of. Summer must have passed by faster in 2006 for the most of us.

Pre-Production

The story had to be discussed, the script written. The actors picked, the crews chosen. The places for film-shooting considered, along with prospective sponsors. Like any other project, planning was essential.

But so was, and is, God's help.

Aside from the movie director whose major's in film, the rest of the crew had no experience in movie production whatsoever. But like the Bible says, before hope and love, there is faith. So there was faith among us. Starting from the professional camera purchased for the project, to the cinematographer who had to obtain his movie-making skills from a guide book, and direct hands-on experience.

Trailer

What's the Fuss All About...

Synopsis:

Kendo Wijaya (Johan Suriadihalim) is a moody, reckless, and short-tempered guy who walks through life rebelliously and alone. Like a typical offspring of a wealthy family, Kendo is emotionally abandoned by his busy father, who sees money as an end to solve problems and provide happiness for his son. However, with Kendo’s future appearing bleaker by the day – in the midst of failing school and frequent school brawls – his father sends him abroad to Melbourne.

They say when one door closes, another one opens – and this is especially true in Kendo’s case. In a surprising turn of events, Kendo then manages to befriend several people with a mutual passion and talent for music and together they form a band. Also, against his own expectations, Kendo finds himself incredibly gripped by Natalia (Christa Natawidjaja), a sweet and religious girl whose personality is an exact antithesis of himself.

Yet, due to Kendo’s headstrong nature and bitter upbringing, he undoubtedly clashes with his friends and band members. But when all hope feels lost, Natalia introduces him to a single force that will subsequently transform his life – God. Problems may never cease to appear, but with God he can face them more courageously than before. But will he be able to ever forgive his neglecting father? And will he be able to face the ultimate test of faith when he unearths a devastating secret about Natalia, which will ominously change both of their lives?

Kado Kendo is a story of friendship, forgiveness and faith that intensifies the importance of having someone beside you to walk through it all...