INDONESIAN FILM HIGHLIGHTS FEMALE EMPOWERMENT

The award-winning Indonesian film BEFORE, NOW AND THEN screened at Harare's Celebration Center focused critical attention on the need for female-driven narratives.

In partnership with the Institute of Creative Arts for Progress in Africa (ICAPA) Trust, the Indonesian Embassy in Harare, recently held a special screening of the film BEFORE, NOW AND THEN (Indonesia 2022, d. Kamila Andini). The event was held to commemorate the film's success at International Images Film Festival for Women (IIFF) 2023, where its depiction of women's triumphs as well as their tribulations was recognised with the Best Film and the Best Cinematography awards.

Tackling gender-related issues which resonate universally, the film narrates the story of Nana, a woman who is trapped in a loveless marriage. As Nana confronts her husband's infidelity, she creates a bond with one of his mistresses. The two women's relationship is a sensitive yet powerful exploration of female solidarity, self-discovery, and self-determination in the face of patriarchal societal expectations.

His Excellency Dewa Made J. Sastrawan, the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia in Zimbabwe, opened the event with a speech praising the film’s showing at IIFF. He acknowledged the profound impact on society of films created by women, and commended ICAPA Trust’s role in highlighting important women’s issues through cinema. Emphasizing the beauty of stories told from a woman's viewpoint, and how these films challenge societal norms, the ambassador said, “Films created by women have a unique power to transcend borders and cultures, offering new perspectives that challenge us to rethink the world around us. It is through these narratives that we gain a deeper understanding of the strength, and beauty of women

Many audience members were moved to reflect on this message. "Women are always on the receiving end of everything in life, but this woman chose to live with someone she doesn’t love for years." V.A. Chikanda, commented in an interview after the screening. "When the opportunity to choose herself came, it was a brave act, though it might be seen as selfish,” he concluded, highlighting the strength women require to make and stand by decisions that conflict with societal expectations.

Another interviewee, Rudo, commended the protagonist for her determination to leave her abusive marriage saying, “I support her decision, as even after all those years of working for the family, when she left the family she was branded as just a gold digger. Leaving was her best option because nobody bothered to cherish her anyway.” ICAPA Trust Director, Tsitsi Dangarembga in a written communication applauded the film’s ability to portray women’s struggles from a deeply personal perspective. She remarked, “Before, Now and Then tells the story of women from a woman’s viewpoint in a way that many men, as well as women, around the world can relate to. Thus, a story of one gender is told to human beings regardless of gender.” Emphasizing the important role of women's film narrative in equitable sustainable development she said, “The Institute of Creative Arts for Progress in Africa, through IIFF, brings to public consciousness gender-related issues which affect half of the globe’s population, yet remain inadequately addressed in much of mainstream cinema.”

Strong audience reactions elicited across genders identify BEFORE, NOW AND THEN as a work of cinematic mastery which also exhibits the capacity to contribute to gender equality through increasing understanding of and identification with women's struggles.