Indonesian Filmmaker Razka Robby Ertanto’s ‘Midnight in Bali’ Set to Premiere at International Film Festival Rotterdam

Indonesian filmmaker Razka Robby Ertanto is poised to capture international attention with the world premiere of his latest film, ‘Midnight in Bali,’ at the prestigious International Film Festival Rotterdam. Scheduled to take place from January 30 to February 9, the festival is renowned for its selection of innovative cinema that addresses contemporary social challenges. ‘Midnight in Bali’ is set to debut in the Harbour section, which is known for highlighting boundary-pushing narratives.

A Deep Dive into Complex Narratives

‘Midnight in Bali’ presents a complex and poignant story centered around Bulan, a transgender woman who works as a club performer in Bali. The film intricately explores themes of identity and transformation as Bulan navigates her relationships and her tumultuous past. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she takes in Mira, a neighbor seeking refuge from an abusive relationship. Mira’s fascination with Bulan’s queer community leads to the idea of collaborating on a film together, which becomes a catalyst for reflection and discovery.

As the plot unfolds, viewers witness Bulan’s struggle with her history rooted in a strict religious family. Following her lover, Bram, to Bali in search of freedom, she is met with disappointment as he mysteriously disappears. Bulan’s quest to uncover Bram’s truth exposes her to the seedy underbelly of the city, ultimately leading her to find him within the adult entertainment industry. This unexpected revelation forms the basis of the film project that Mira is eager to create, intertwining past traumas with present realities in a thought-provoking narrative.

Recognition of Pertinent Social Issues

Ertanto, who has previously directed notable films such as ‘Ave Maryam’ and ‘Cross the Line,’ is no stranger to addressing complex social issues through cinema. “Bali is a complex intersection of fast modernity and conservatism. The epitome of our contradictions,” he states, highlighting the contrast that the island represents. The director emphasizes his commitment to representation and social justice, aiming to shed light on the intricate dynamics of modern Indonesian society.

The film is produced by Summerland Films, with Razka Robby Ertanto and Friska Wulandari at the helm. Letters of acclaim surround Ertanto’s body of work, including his recent film ‘Yohanna,’ which also premiered at Rotterdam and won accolades at the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival’s Indonesian Screen Awards in 2024.

A Talented Ensemble Cast

‘Midnight in Bali’ boasts a talented ensemble cast, featuring performances by Juan Bio One, Tatjana Saphira, Luna Maya, Carissa Perussete, and Donny Damara. Their contributions aim to elevate the film’s narrative, bringing to life the rich and diverse experiences of the characters involved.

For those interested in visual storytelling and explorations of social dynamics, ‘Midnight in Bali’ promises to be an insightful addition to the international film landscape.

As anticipation builds for the film’s premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, the release of a trailer adds to the excitement surrounding Ertanto’s powerful exploration of identity against the backdrop of Bali’s vibrant yet complex culture. Viewers worldwide are eager to witness how this narrative unfolds on the international stage.

For a glimpse of the film, watch the trailer here.