Progress or Commodification: Representation of Queerness in Indonesian New-Wave Cinema

The fall of the New Order marked a transition period that saw the end of authoritarian interference and the invigoration of artistic freedom in filmmaking amid the moral-panic-induced opposition against promoting queerness in film. This study examines films incorporating queer characters released during the Indonesian New-Wave period (post 1998). The purpose of this research is to see if the representations of queerness in the selected films are indeed evidence of progress or mere gimmicks intended for inclusion or commodification purpose. The study uses 17 feature films, 1 omnibus, and 2 short films released between 2003 and 2021 with a runtime ranging from 7 to 127 minutes. The research expands on the three assessment criteria used in the Vito Russo Test, a test used as early indicator for queer depiction in film. The films are analyzed using four variables: prominence, portrayal, journey, and outcome. Keywords: Indonesian New-Wave cinema, queer representation, queer film, queer method, Vito Russo Test.