Madame X (2010 film)

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Madame X
Directed by Lucky Kuswandi
Written by
  • Agasyah Karim
  • Khalid Khasogi
  • Lucky Kuswandi
Produced by Nia Dinata
Starring
  • Aming
  • Marcell Siahaan
  • Shanty
  • Titi DJ
  • Sarah Sechan
  • Fitri Tropica
  • Vincent Rompies
CinematographyRoni Arnold
Edited byRobin Moran
Music by
  • Aghi Narottama
  • Bemby Gusti
  • Ramondo Gascaro
Production
company
Kalyana Shira Films
Release date
  • 7 October 2010 (2010-10-07)(Indonesia)
Running time
101 minutes
CountryIndonesia
LanguageIndonesian

Madame X is a 2010 Indonesian superhero comedy film directed by Lucky Kuswandi in his directorial debut from a screenplay he co-wrote with Agasyah Karim and Khalid Khasogi. It stars Aming as a hairdresser who transforms into the title character, a transgender superhero fighting off Kanjeng Badai and his homophobic political party.

Contents

The film was released in Indonesian theatres on 7 October 2010. It received two nominations at the 5th Asian Film Awards.

Premise

A hairdresser transforms into the superhero Madame X to fight off the threat of Kanjeng Badai and his militant, homophobic political party in order to prevent him from winning the election. [1]

Cast

Production

Producer Nia Dinata revealed that the film was inspired by a conversation she had with Aming about creating an "unconventional" superhero, one who is neither "muscular nor sexy". [2] It marks comedian Fitri Tropica's debut film and singer Marcell Siahaan's first acting role in eight years. [3] [4]

Release

Madame X was released in Indonesian theatres on 7 October 2010. [5] It had its international premiere at the 35th Hong Kong International Film Festival in March 2021. [6] It also screened at the 35th Frameline Film Festival in June 2011. [7] In July 2011, it had its Korean premiere at the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival at the World Fantastic Cinema section. [8] In October 2011, it competed at the MIX Copenhagen. [9]

In September 2021, the film screened at the Queer East Film Festival in London to celebrate the film's tenth anniversary. [10] In November 2025, it will screen at the Rewind section at the 20th Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival in Yogyakarta. [11]

Reception

Writing for Variety , Boyd Van Hoeij described the film as "fabulous". He also commended Kuswandi's directing on "finding exactly the right tone for the material, packaging the irreverent, often riotous antics and a clear pro-diversity message". [12]

Accolades

Award / Film FestivalDate of ceremonyCategoryRecipient(s)ResultRef.
Asian Film Awards 21 March 2011 Best Supporting Actress ShantyNominated [13]
Best Production DesignerEros EflinNominated
MIX Copenhagen 30 October 2011Best Feature FilmLucky KuswandiWon [14]

References

  1. Manao, Jonathan Dante Timesmei (16 July 2021). "Sinopsis Madame X, Aksi Penata Rambut yang Mendadak Jadi Pahlawan". Kompas (in Indonesian). Retrieved 24 November 2025.
  2. "Nia Dinata Tertantang Bikin Film Superhero Karena Aming". Detik.com (in Indonesian). 3 October 2010. Retrieved 24 November 2025.
  3. "Main Film Perdana, Fitri Tropica Belajar Ngebut". Detik.com (in Indonesian). 4 October 2010. Retrieved 24 November 2025.
  4. Anton (18 June 2010). "Marcell Siahaan Tertantang Main Komedi". KapanLagi. Retrieved 24 October 2025.
  5. Natalia, Maria (2 October 2010). "'MADAME X', Pahlawan Lentik Pembela Keadilan". KapanLagi (in Indonesian). Retrieved 24 November 2025.
  6. Chu, Karen (19 March 2011). "5 Films Not to Miss at the Hong Kong International Film Festival". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved 24 November 2025.
  7. Wong, Peter (1 July 2011). "Frameline 35 Wrapup — "Weekend," "The Night Watch," "Madame X," "Wish Me Away," "Spork"". Beyond Chron. Retrieved 24 November 2025.
  8. "Madame X". Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival . Retrieved 24 November 2025.
  9. Teglgaard, Stine (20 October 2011). "MIX Copenhagen 2011 er startet". Kino.dk (in Danish). Retrieved 24 November 2025.
  10. Scanlon, Hayley (30 August 2021). "Queer East Film Festival Reveals Full 2021 Programme". Windows on Worlds. Retrieved 24 November 2025.
  11. Yanuar, Elang Riki (6 November 2025). "Hadirkan 227 Film dari 43 Negara, Ini Daftar Lengkap Program JAFF 2025". Medcom (in Indonesian). Retrieved 24 November 2025.
  12. Van Hoeij, Boyd (10 April 2011). "Madame X". Variety . Retrieved 24 November 2025.
  13. Shackleton, Liz (20 January 2011). "Bullets, Confessions lead nominations for Asian Film Awards". Screen International . Retrieved 24 November 2025.
  14. "'Madame X' Jawara di Festival Film Gay & Lesbian Coppenhagen". Detik.com. 2 November 2011. Retrieved 24 November 2025.