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Film Uncovers Hidden Wounds of Indonesian Migration
29 Nov, 2025
Summary
- A new film explores the emotional toll on children of Indonesian migrant workers.
- The story follows a teen searching for her mother working abroad.
- The project highlights the stigma and neglect faced by migrant children.
The Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) is showcasing "A Life Full of Holes," a new Indonesian film project focusing on the profound emotional impact of overseas labor migration on children left behind. Directed by Loeloe Hendra, the drama follows a 17-year-old girl's quest to find her mother, who is working in Taiwan.
The narrative explores the protagonist's struggles with family abandonment, debt, and her own aspirations while caring for younger siblings. Her search uncovers her mother's difficult reality abroad, culminating in tragedy and grief. The film is deeply personal for Hendra, whose parents were also migrant workers, aiming to illuminate the invisible wounds and emotional survival of children in similar circumstances.
Selected for the JAFF Future Project, the film seeks co-production partners and investors. Production is slated for Java and Taiwan, emphasizing cultural authenticity. "A Life Full of Holes" intends to spark crucial conversations about migration and advocate for a more compassionate global environment for affected families.
