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Exactly a year after the world premiere of his drama “Yohanna” here in Rotterdam, Indonesian director Razka Robby Ertanto is back with another attempt at a drama involving strong women. “Midnight in Bali” which screens in Harbour section of IFFR, is a work very different from what Ertanto has done so far. The story lets us into the life of transgender woman Bulan (Juan Bio One) who has found and lost her big love, and is determined to change that.

Midnight in Bali is screening at International Film Festival Rotterdam

Bulan is optimistic by nature, and there is barely anything that can shake her good mood. Barely doesn’t mean never, so even she occasionally can’t help but feel the blues. By day she doesn’t do much but chain smoke and contemplate this and that, by night she is at the local gay bar performing on stage or attending numerous parties.

‘Midnight in Bali’ is an upcoming drama directed by Indonesian filmmaker Razka Robby Ertanto. The movie is set to debut at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in the Harbour section, known for highlighting innovative and socially relevant cinema. The film really looks into themes of identity, community, and personal transformation, with a new trailer giving audiences a brief look at its powerful story.

The story centers on Bulan, a transgender woman working as a club performer in Bali. She navigates a complicated relationship with a conflicted police officer while dealing with her own challenging past. Bulan’s life takes an unexpected turn when she provides shelter to her neighbor Mira, who is fleeing an abusive relationship. Mira becomes intrigued by Bulan’s queer community and proposes collaborating on a film about Bulan’s life.

Through this collaboration, the audience learns about Bulan’s history, including her escape from a strict...