Debut Film 'Jani Be Good' Premieres at Tokyo Fest

Indonesian director Ariani Darmawan is making a significant return to filmmaking after a 15-year absence with her debut feature, "Jani Be Good." The film is slated for its world premiere in the Asian Future competition at the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival.

Titled "Desember Jani" in Indonesian, the drama unfolds over four days in December, focusing on four women across three generations. Central to the narrative is 13-year-old Jani, who gradually comprehends the roles of the women around her while learning to assert her own voice. The cast includes Chempa Puteri as Jani, Sigi Wimala as Winnie, Hyori Mika as Julia, and Tutie Kirana as Oma.

Darmawan chose Cyntha Hariadi to write the screenplay, inspired by Hariadi's short story collection. This marks Hariadi's first feature script. Darmawan stated that the story grew from observations of intimate home dynamics and her own experiences as a mother, shaping Jani's perspective on the intergenerational relationships.

The film was previously presented at the Hong Kong Asia Film Financing Forum. Following its festival run, "Jani Be Good" is scheduled for release in Indonesian cinemas on December 10.

Palari Films, the production company behind the movie, was founded in 2016 by Meiske Taurisia and Muhammad Zaidy. The company is known for films such as "Vengeance Is Mine, All Others Pay Cash," which won the Golden Leopard at the 74th Locarno Film Festival.