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“Merah Putih” (“Red and White”), a patriotic film about Indonesia’s struggle against the last vestiges of colonialism in 1947, is nearly ready for release. Speaking on Thursday after a behind-the-scenes look at the film, executive producer Jeremy Stewart said the story “has been told so many times, but not in the fashion that we tell it in.”

First-time director Yadi Sugandi and seven of the film’s stars were also present on Thursday to share their experiences from the film shoot and to explain why this film, the first installment of the “Merdeka” (“Freedom”) trilogy, is different from anything ever made here.

Shot in four months, the production had $6 million to spend on locations and special effects, which involved experts who have worked on Hollywood blockbusters such as “Saving Private Ryan,” “Australia” and “The Dark Knight.”

Indonesia’s very own Iri Supit, whose eye for detail is displayed in films from 1992’s “Bibir Mer” (“Mer’s Lips”) to 2009’s “Sepuluh” (“Ten”), served as the art director for the movie.

“Merah Putih” is co-produced by PT Media Desa Indonesia and Margate House Ltd. It will be shown at Cineplex and Blitz Megaplex cinemas starting from Aug. 13, four days before Independence Day. JG