Go Behind The Scenes Of Indonesian Martial Arts Film MERANTAU!

No offense to practitioners of kung fu or, increasingly, muay thai but why is it that of all the martial arts in the world these two so thoroughly dominate the on screen world? We don't even get karate films any more, never mind some of the smaller, lesser known arts and as much as I love me some kung fu and muay thai films I'd love to get a bit more variety on screen. And this immediately makes upcoming Indonesian martial arts flick Merantau of interest since it focuses on much less exposed fight discipline silat harimau. Here's the official skinny:

"Merantau" is an Indonesian martial arts action drama feature due for release April 2009. Written and directed by British filmmaker Gareth Evans the film showcases Silat Harimau, a branch of Indonesia's ancient martial art of Pencak Silat. With choreography from renowned master Edwel Datuk Rajo Gampo Alam and Team Silat Harimau, "Merantau" will also introduce to the world Indonesia's rising action star and Silat Tiga Berantai expert, Iko Uwais.

For the past 5 months Iko has been trained in Silat Harimau to perform the complex choreography designed for the film to be shot on location in both West Sumatra and Jakarta. The film also stars Sisca Jessica, Mads Koudal (Footsteps, The Feral Generation, Six Reasons Why), Laurent "Lohan" Buson (Silverhawk, Z-Team Stunts Group), Yayan Ruhian, Donny Alamsyah (9 Naga, Fiksi), Ratna Galih and Award Winning Actress/Producer Christine Hakim (Tjoet Nia Dien, Leaf on a Pillow, Whispering Sands).

In Minangkabau, West Sumatera, Yuda a skilled practitioner of Silat Harimau is in the final preparations to begin his "Merantau" a century's old rites-of-passage to be carried out by the community's young men that will see him leave the comforts of his idyllic farming village and make a name for himself in the bustling city of Jakarta.

After a series of setbacks leave Yuda homeless and uncertain about his new future, a chance encounter results in him defending the orphaned Astri from becoming the latest victim of a European human trafficking ring led by the wildly psychotic, Ratger and his right-hand man Luc.

With Ratger injured in the melee and seeking both his "merchandise" and bloody retribution, Yuda's introduction to the city is a baptism of fire as he is forced to go on the run with Astri and her younger brother Adit as all the pimps and gangsters that inhabit the night hound the streets chasing their every step. With escape seemingly beyond their grasp, Yuda has no choice but to face his attackers in an adrenaline charged, jaw-dropping finale.

With production now under way director Gareth Evans plans to release a behind the scenes reel charting the progress of the film from start to finish. The first installment arrived this week and it offers a first peek at star Iko Uwais showcasing some of his moves. You'll find the reel in the ScreenAnarchy Player below the break.