When we are being asked, “Who catches fish?”, it most likely the answer will be, “A fisherman!”.
In the English language, fisherman remains an example of a gendered word that is still very commonly used. Sadly, this resistance to change pre-existing gender norms is also reflected in the fishing industry itself and in the inequality faced by fisherwomen.
This is evident especially so for fisherwomen in the many fishing villages in Indonesia, such as in Demak, as shown in Mother of the Sea (Clarissa Ruth Natan, 2023). The film provides an insightful look into the inspiring story of Siti, who fishes with her husband to make a living in a time of economic hardship. Clarrisa Ruth Natan’s astute storytelling style presents the challenges that Siti faces in an effective yet impactful way.
In Mother of the Sea (2023), Siti balances between the household responsibilities and raising her child whilst facing the high waves and winds of the open sea. It isn’t only the seas that are unforgiving, she faces disapproval from her family and people around her as well as discrimination from the village government.
With environmental change causing fluctuating fish stocks, times are tough for fishing. Fisherwomen like Siti find it difficult to access the subsidies given to their male counterparts. Siti is not alone, however, as we witness her and other women in her village struggle to even be formally acknowledged as fisherwomen. Despite the many setbacks, Siti’s persistence and pride as a fisherwoman are not impaired.
As we see in Mother of the Sea (2023), the tides are changing and the winds are blowing towards equality. With women’s rights and climate change challenges becoming a burning issue in recent times, Clarissa Ruth Natan provides a nuanced look into those, like Siti, who face and fight the unjust realities of both.
Watch Siti’s story of struggles with sexism and the high seas be told through Mother of the Sea (2023). This film is selected in Short Competition Festival Film Dokumenter 2023. (Aradi Ghalizha) (Vanis/Adinta)
Film Details
Mother of the Sea
Clarissa Ruth Natan | 15 Minutes | 2023 | Central Java | Color | 13+
Screening Schedule
12.05 | Bioskop Sonobudoyo | 19.00 WIB
12.09 | Auditorium IFI-LIP | 15.00 WIB
