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Probably the most difficult, and occasionally the most defining film in the career of any filmmaker is the second one, particularly after a successful debut. Robby Ertanto Soediskam found himself in that exact position, after his rather successful first feature, “Ave Maryam” a title that we included in our Best Asean films of 2019. Those credits included Joko Anwar and Chicco Jerikho in the cast and Ical Tanjung and Wawan I. Wibowo in the crew, and an overall visual approach that seemed to wink at Wong Kar Wai. Unfortunately, the only thing that was left for “Jakarta, City of Dreamers” is Jerikho, and even he, just for a cameo of sorts.

The story focuses on Dom, a young man who tries to make it in the movie industry of Jakarta, but his temper frequently gets the best of him resulting in a number of failed opportunities. Out of coincidence, he meets a couple,...

by Ghafara Harashta

Winner for Best New Director at Singapore, Dragon & Tiger Awards at Vancouver, Best Actress for Jajang C. Noer at Cinemaya and Best Supporting Actress for Rachel Maryam at Indonesian Film Festival, “Eliana, Eliana” was released when Indonesian Cinema was treading its path towards the resurrection of the industry.

After a tough day, Eliana arrives home and she is surprised by the visit of her mother. Eliana and her mother, Bunda, have not met for several years since the former ran out from her and the prospect of an arranged marriage back in Western Sumatra. At the same time Heni, Eliana’s roommate, is nowhere to be found. Bunda tries to persuade Eliana to come back home, while she is desperately searching for Heni. During their search, they try to communicate with each other and to break the ice between them along the way, as...