DFI Indonesian Cinema Spotlight - Indonesia Through the Lens

After The Curfew (1954) by Usmar Ismail

Thursday 7th December, 7:00 pm
Set in the aftermath of Indonesia's struggle for independence, ‘After the Curfew’ delves into the complex psyche of a former revolutionary. This poignant drama, directed by Usmar Ismail, explores themes of disillusionment and the moral cost of war. Reserve Tickets Now.
Run Time: 101 min /  Language: Indonesian with Arabic and English subtitles / Suitable for age 15+ 

Nussa (2021) by Bony Wirasmono

Friday 8th December, 4:00 pm
Anticipating his father's return after a year-long absence, the oh-so-clever 9-year-old Nussa ambitiously enters his school's science competition, hoping to impress him. But when his father cancels his homecoming trip, Nussa must confront both the disappointment and a formidable new academic rival. This experience unexpectedly teaches Nussa the profound meaning of gratitude. Reserve Tickets Now.
Run Time: 107 min /  Language: Indonesian with Arabic and English subtitles / Parental guidance is advised. Some material may be inappropriate for young children.

What's With Love? (2002) by Rudy Soedjarwo

Friday 8th December, 7:00 pm
What’s with Love? is a beloved Indonesian romantic comedy that delves into the life of a popular high school student. The film captures her journey through friendship, poetry, and budding romance, set against the vibrant backdrop of Jakarta's youth culture. The story unfolds into a poignant exploration of young love, personal growth, and the bittersweet realities of adolescence. Reserve Tickets Now.
Run Time: 112 min /  Language: Indonesian with Arabic and English subtitles / Suitable for age 18+

Filosofi Kopi (2015) by Angga Dwimas Sasongko, Followed by a Q&A with Chicco Jerikho

Saturday 9th December, 3:00 pm
A captivating drama centred around the lives of two friends who own a struggling coffee shop in Jakarta. When they accept a challenge to create the perfect cup of coffee for a substantial prize, the journey takes them beyond the confines of their café. This film beautifully blends the complexities of friendship, ambition, and the art of coffee making, leading to a poignant discovery about what truly matters in life and business. Reserve Tickets Now. 
Run Time: 117 mins / Language: Indonesian with Arabic and English subtitles / Suitable for age 13+ 

Part of the events programme for the Growing Kopi, Drinking Qahwa Exhibition at NMoQ.

Indonesian Shorts Programme

Saturday 9th December, 7:00 pm
This compelling showcase of six short films from Indonesia, in partnership with Minikino Film Festival, will explore unique but relatable aspects of our shared human experience. The Doha Film Institute will host an evening of powerful short-form storytelling that reflects the richness of Indonesian cinema and resonates with the universal themes of love, loss, and resilience that transcend borders. Reserve Tickets Now.

The short films will include: 

• Remembering The Serenade (2022): A lonely middle-aged woman must decide whether to go on a date with her ex-lover or take care of her mother, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s.
• Chintya (2019): A series of intense family conversations in a confined car space unravels hidden conflicts and leads to a profound exploration of familial bonds and tolerance.
• I Saw a Ghost, And It Was Beautiful (2022): In a silent room filled with echoes of the past, Miss Eloise’s escape from monotony transforms into a haunting journey of self-discovery and mysterious revelations.
• Kid Terminator (2022): Young Abbas channels his grief into homemade films, leading to an unexpected journey of healing and understanding with his estranged father.
• Sunrise in the Forest (2019): In a quiet hamlet in the backwoods of West Java, a boy grappling with his father’s death finds guidance from an enigmatic spirit of the forest.
• Uniform (2020): In the shadow of Indonesia’s 1998 crisis, ‘Uniform’ explores generational views on masculinity, sparked by a simple childhood quarrel escalating into a clash.

Total Run Time: 92 mins /  Language: Indonesian with Arabic and English subtitles / Suitable for age 15+ 

Aruna & Her Palate (2018) by Edwin

Sunday 10th December, 7:00 pm
A delightfully delectable culinary journey that mixes friendship, food, and a hint of romance. The film follows Aruna, a gourmet explorer, as she embarks on a gastronomic adventure across Indonesia with her friends. Along the way, they uncover not only an array of regional delicacies but also untangle a web of personal revelations and complex relationships. Reserve Tickets Now.

Run Time: 106 mins /  Language: Indonesian with Arabic and English subtitles / Suitable for age 15+ 

Ininnawa: An Island Calling (2023) by Arfan Sabran

Monday 11th December, 7:00 pm
A moving documentary that captures the dedication and sacrifice of a family providing healthcare in the remote islands of Indonesia's Flores Sea. Through their eyes, the film explores themes of duty, resilience, and the impact of delivering medical aid to remote communities, revealing the heart and soul behind every life they touch. Reserve Tickets Now.

Run Time:  73 mins /  Language: Indonesian with Arabic and English subtitles / Suitable for age 18+ 

The Seen and Unseen (2017) by Kamila Andini

Tuesday 12th December, 7:00 pm
‘The Seen and Unseen’ is a mesmerising exploration of grief and healing through a child’s eyes. The film follows a young girl dealing with her twin brother's illness, blending reality with Balinese mythology. With its lyrical narrative and stunning visuals, the film journeys into a world of imagination and the unseen connections that bind us. Reserve Tickets Now.

Run Time:  85 mins /  Language: Indonesian with Arabic and English subtitles / Suitable for age 13+