Filmmaker's Family Drama Captures Generational Bonds

Indonesian filmmaker Ariani Darmawan has returned to directing with her first feature in over a decade, "Jani Be Good." The film, which is competing in the Tokyo International Film Festival's Asian Future competition, centers on four women from three generations.

Darmawan stepped away from filmmaking for more than ten years to focus on raising her family. She stated that returning to directing was a primary goal, driven by her experiences as a mother and a desire to explore the often unseen daily demands of caregiving.

The narrative unfolds over four days in December, focusing on 13-year-old Jani. After her older sister Julia leaves home following a dispute, Jani finds solace with her grandmother while her single mother, Winnie, struggles with her own anxieties.

The film highlights the intricate dynamics within an all-female household, examining how family conflicts can persist due to communication breakdowns and unspoken issues passed down through generations. Darmawan emphasizes that family problems are universal, regardless of gender.

Palari Films, a Jakarta-based company, produced the film, which opened in Indonesian cinemas on December 10th. The production itself was a compact 13-day shoot in Bandung. Darmawan, who also founded the Kineruku library and bookstore, plans to continue directing, focusing on stories about "sad and sweet relationships between people."