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Plot Summary
Titi Juwariyah, 27, is a street singer in Jakarta, Indonesia. She leads a challenging, conflicted life — from her migration to Jakarta as a lost teen from the Java countryside to her heartfelt quest for identity and acceptance in her adopted city. Armed with just a battered guitar, a soulful voice, and a desire for a better life, Titi composes catchy folk tunes to entertain passengers on Jakarta's teeming buses. She dreams of making a career in music but is overwhelmed by the pressures of supporting her troubled family. When personal crisis strikes, Titi finds herself alone and on the edge of despair. An emotional journey to see her ailing parents in their remote countryside village provides Titi with important perspective and new determination to turn her life around. Back on the streets of Jakarta, Titi embarks on a brave new quest for independence and legitimacy. But in the process of chasing that dream, she stands to lose the very thing that is closest to her heart. A PBS Indies/Global Voices selection.
Customer Reviews
Best documentary on Indonesia
This is a fantastic film that captures the hopes and frustrations of a smart immigrant to Jakarta, one of the world's most exhilarating, under-covered cities. Indonesia is normally the subject of fawning documentaries about Bali or studies of poverty. This film, made by Daniel Ziv, a former magazine editor, author and long-time Jakarta resident, brings the city to life through the bitter-sweet story of a female busker and stunning cinematography. It's a sad, closely-observed tale but not a sentimental one, just the right tone for a documentary about the Big Durian. Perhaps the best thing I've seen on Indonesia in recent years.
Stunning
This beautifully shot film by Daniel Ziv gives the viewer a rarely seen inside look at life in Jakarta. I felt like I was right there with Titi - crying with her through her struggles and applauding her triumphs. The sound of the busker's music in the streets, and the visually stunning images of the city and countryside makes this a truly remarkable short film.
A wonderful movie. Very insightful
A brilliantly made movie that uncovers a part of Jakarta that I personally am embarrased to say I don't see from inside the comforts of my air-conditioned office and car. I have to thank Daniel Ziv for making this movie which sheds light on the hardship and challenges that many Indonesians like Titi have to endure. As an Indonesian, it pains me to see this, and wishes that there could be more that can be done for women like Titi. Her story is inspiring and it has been brilliantly told by Daniel. Daniel succeeded in capturing the emotions and show of affections that most Javanese do not openly display normally (in "Goodbye"). In a word...brilliant.
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