Rarely Seen Indonesian Films Visit Pacific Cinematheque

On February 2 and 4, Vancouver’s Pacific Cinematheque theatre will turn a brief spotlight on the rarely seen cinema of Indonesia. The special presentation showcases three notable recent films, all of which have been applauded and honoured at international film festivals.

Leaf on a Pillow is a panorama of life on the Indonesian streets: a struggling street vendor attempts to provide some maternal comfort to three young homeless boys living in her neighbourhood. Directed by Garin Nugroho, one of the leading figures in Indonesia’s recent film renaissance, and staring Christine Hakim, one of the country’s leading actresses, Leaf on a Pillow won awards at festivals in Tokyo, Taipei and Manila, and received prestigious showcases in the Un Certain Regard section of Cannes and at New Directors/New Films in New York.

Whispering Sands, a first feature by writer-director Nan T. Achnas, explores the troubled relationship between a possessive, overprotective mother and her beautiful rebellious daughter. Their antagonism plays out against an unsettling background of political violence and unexplained massacres, which force mother and daughter to flee their seaside home and set out across a desert landscape of constantly shifting sands. A prize winner at Seattle, Singapore and Asia Pacific film festivals.

Eliana, Eliana follows the title character, tough-minded and independent. Returning home one evening, Eliana finds that her mother, whom she hasn’t seen in five years, is waiting for her, while roommate Heni has gone missing. Thus begins a long night for mother and daughter on the lively streets of Jakarta. Recipient of a special citation from the Dragons and Tiger jury in Vancouver in 2002.

For more information or online tickets, visit http://www.cinematheque.bc.ca/JanFeb04/indonesian.html

Leaf on a Pillow
Monday, February 2 – 7:30pm

Whispering Sands
Monday, February 2 – 9:10pm
Wednesday, February 4, 7:30pm

Eliana, Eliana
Wednesday, February 4 – 9:30pm

Pacific Cinematheque
1131 Howe Street, Vancouver
Details/online tickets: http://www.cinematheque.bc.ca/
24-Hour Infoline: 604 688 FILM