Resurfacing

2023
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Original Title

Muncul Kembali

Topic

Nature and Environment, Human Rights

Origin

South Sulawesi

Estimated Budget

IDR 377,420,000 (23,515 USD)

Project Initiator

Nurtaqdir Anugrah

Director

Diana Noviana

Co-Producer

Project Status

In Production
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Logline

The relentless dry season has caused the waters of the Jatigede dam to recede, unveiling a haunting sight – the remnants of a village submerged eight years ago for the construction of the dam. This uncanny revelation prompts an elderly couple to embark on a bittersweet expedition that leads them through a labyrinth of memories, stirring emotions long buried beneath the depths of the reservoir. As they navigate the familiar yet alien landscape, they are confronted with the profound impact of time and the power of solace in the unearthed vestiges of their lost homeland.

Director's Statement

Born during a period of rapid development and urban planning in Makassar, South Sulawesi, I became acquainted with eviction events early on. Witnessing conflicts and fistfights near my home as a child, though lacking a clear understanding of what was happening, instilled in me an awareness of these occurrences. My introduction to Jaja and Tuminik, followed by an extended stay during the Jatigede Dam community relocation process, opened my eyes to the lengths people go to safeguard their right to live. They struggle to maintain their homes and livelihoods, often lost in the name of progress and prosperity that they never fully reap.

 

Through Jaja and Tuminik’s journey back to their submerged hometown, which resurfaced after years, I aim to expose the shortcomings of development and the harsh realities faced by its victims. Their journey reflects the profound connection between people and their homeland, relying on the memories and recollections of an evicted elderly couple navigating a challenging adaptation.

 

My ability to comprehend Jaja and Tuminik’s emotions and translate them into cinematic form stems from our close bond, cultivated over eight years. This closeness allows for open and honest conversations, enabling me to gain insights into their lives and village conditions despite residing elsewhere. The presence of our film crew posed no disruption to Jaja and Tuminik, accustomed to being in front of the camera. Thus, their on-screen behavior remains authentic and unchanged.

Participant
Nurtaqdir Anugrah

Nurtaqdir Anugrah, known as Abel, is a director who started his career as a documentary filmmaker at Rumah Ide Makassar since 2010. Pejuang dari Gua Purbakala, which highlights the issue of mining threats to the environment and rock paintings in ancient cave sites, became his first documentary directing debut in the Eagle Awards Documentary Competition 2015. The film, which aims to promote the karst of Pangkep Maros as a world heritage, was nominated for short documentary in FFI 2015 and Golden Tree International Documentary Film Festival 2016 in Germany. His interest in film grew from an early age after being gifted a video camera by his parents, leading his career to continue to develop and produce various documentary films with various themes and aesthetic approaches that he is currently exploring.

Participant
Diana Noviana

Diana Noviana is a filmmaker who started working in documentary after being selected as a finalist in the Eagle Awards Documentary Competition in 2015. Her first film, about Soesilo Toer and Pramoedya Ananta Toer’s childhood home in Blora, highlighted human rights issues related to the events of ’65 and was later selected as a viewer favorite. In 2016, Diana joined a production house that focuses on sustainable documentary work system, Pandora16 Film. While developing at Pandora16 Film, Diana expanded her career by directing various documentaries and commercials. Until finally trying to become a documentary film line producer in 2018. She is also often involved as a supervisor in documentary workshops for schoolchildren and university students. Currently, Diana is the producer of an organization that focuses on the regeneration of documentary filmmakers in Indonesia.

Resurfacing

The relentless dry season has caused the waters of the Jatigede dam to recede, unveiling a haunting sight – the remnants of a village submerged eight years ago for the construction of the dam. This uncanny revelation prompts an elderly couple to embark on a bittersweet expedition that leads them through a labyrinth of memories, stirring emotions long buried beneath the depths of the reservoir. As they navigate the familiar yet alien landscape, they are confronted with the profound impact of time and the power of solace in the unearthed vestiges of their lost homeland.