Let’s begin this piece by reflecting on the film Siti (Eddie Cahyono, 2014), which takes us on a deep contemplation of humanity’s relationship with nature. There, a sentence is uttered: “Laut sing ngehi pangan, laut uga sing njupuk pangan.” (The sea that feeds us is also the same sea that takes our food). This sentence serves as a subtle reminder that nature does give us life, but it can also take it away at any time. Nature not only gives, but it also expects balance.
In the documentary A Tale for My Daughter (Wulan Putri, 2024), we are confronted with another reality. Nature, through the Awyu tribe’s indigenous land, continues to give life. However, it is humans who often forget how to be grateful. We take without ever giving back, eroding the wealth of the land to satisfy our endless material desires. Nature that was once lush and loving is now slowly being overtaken by ambition that eats away every inch of its land.
Through Rikarda Maa’s letters to her daughter, Mila, this documentary delves into a mother’s anxiety as she watches her indigenous land slowly being taken away by the expansion of oil palm plantations. As both mother and fighter, Rikarda brings us into an intimate yet resonant narrative. She fights not only to protect her land, but also for the next generation’s future, a future that is closely connected to environmental sustainability.
The mother-daughter relationship in this documentary is not just about love and protection. It is a potent symbol of the bond between nature and women. Like a woman, nature gives wholeheartedly and without limits. However, what she often receives in return are ever-gaping wounds. This is reflected in Rikarda’s journey, where in her struggle to protect her indigenous land, she alludes to the injustices that women often experience. Her voice is often ignored.
In the midst of her struggle, men’s voices are heard more often, while women, like Rikarda, are marginalized. Nature, who is also often portrayed as a Mother (Mother Earth) suffers the same fate. She continues to give everything, but is wounded by the very hands that exploit her mercilessly.
A Tale for My Daughter (2024) does not lead us to anger or hatred. Instead, it wants to convey a gentle plea to open our ears and hearts, to listen more to the voices of mothers who have been overlooked, in the form of women and nature. Reflect on our relationship with Mother so that we can collectively care for and protect the life we inherit. (Tirza Kanya) (Ed. Vanis/Trans. Naufal Shabri)
Film Details
A Tale for My Daughter (Tutaha Subang)
Wulan Putri | 15 Min | 2024 | DKI Jakarta, Indonesia
In Competition for Short Competition
Festival Film Dokumenter 2024
Screening Schedule
Nov. 3 | 13:00 WIB | IFI-LIP
Nov. 5 | 13:00 WIB | Militaire Societeit, TBY
