Ariani Darmawan's 'Jani Be Good' at Tokyo Film Festival Explores Silence, Motherhood, and Chinese-Indonesian Family

Indonesian filmmaker Ariani Darmawan returns to directing after a decade-long hiatus with 'Jani Be Good,' a drama in the Asian Future competition at the Tokyo International Film Festival. The film draws from Darmawan's own experience of stepping away from filmmaking to raise a family, offering a portrait of four women across three generations in a Chinese-Indonesian family. It delves into themes of silence and motherhood, examining how unspoken words shape relationships and identities. The story highlights the cultural and familial pressures faced by women, making it a resonant addition to the festival's lineup. Darmawan's personal journey adds depth to the narrative, bridging her life and art. 'Jani Be Good' marks a significant return for the director and brings underrepresented voices to the global stage.