Chiaroscuro in film is a low-key artistic lighting that produced a boundary between dark and light area. Based on its language etymology, the term chiaroscuro is an Italian and clearly not originated from Indonesia. However, this does not mean that lighting in film does not include Indonesian heritage essentially. This heritage can actually be an asset to develop modern technique of artificial lighting. This paper emphasised the Javanese philosophical interpretation of lighting through Perempuan Berkalung Sorban film that were produced by Hanung Bramantyo. By applying cultural studies and interdisciplinary approach, this research found some interesting outcomes. Firstly, the chiaroscuro of those films had a significant relation with cultural and traditional values of Javanese culture. Secondly, in their technical phases, the integrity of “modern lighting” with “traditional lighting” produced a hybridity of double light. Transcending its technique, it was identical with double sign and dual culture. Lastly, through philosophical perspective, this lighting technique enclosed particular life value. In Javanese society, lighting is not only the ability to see things physically, but it is more about peacefulness, determination, brotherhood, etc. Therefore, from these findings, it can be stated that this research placed the “local lighting” in equal position or even position transcended the “modern lighting.” Moreover, based on the findings of this research, lighting can be seen not only from visual aspect, but also from the aspects of storytelling, realism, and pictorial composition. Through these three aspects, film will be able to construct its aesthetical interpretation and philosophical aspect in depth.
Keywords: Chiaroscuro, Film, Java, Philosophy