A New Perspective on Family and Social Pressures
Luhki Herwanayogi, a filmmaker known for his short film “On Friday Noon,” which was showcased at the Locarno Film Festival Open Doors in 2020, has made a name for himself with the 2021 Locarno Open Doors Award. His feature debut, “Our Son,” is now selected for the JAFF Future Project as a work-in-progress. This Indonesian production explores the lives of two childless married couples who raise a son from an illicit affair between their households.
The film, directed by Herwanayogi and produced by Iqbal Mohammad Hamdan through Catchlight Pictures, is among 10 Asia-Pacific titles chosen for the JAFF Future Project at this year’s JAFF Market in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It previously won the Purin Award for best project from Southeast Asia at the Busan Asian Film School Pitching Project in 2019.
The Story Behind ‘Our Son’
” Our Son” follows Lita, a 27-year-old bank employee, who reconnects with her ex-lover Sandi, a 29-year-old furniture entrepreneur, after years of separation. Their relationship rekindles when Lita asks Sandi to furnish her new home. Sandi frequently visits and meets Lita’s husband Bob, who works as a mining employee. Sandi invites his wife Eli to visit Lita’s house. Both families face pressure from relatives to have children, which brings them closer, especially Lita and Eli.
Lita becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son named Aryo. Sandi and Eli often help take care of Aryo as Lita and Bob are busy with work. Several years later, Aryo falls ill and requires a blood transfusion. However, Lita and Bob’s blood types are not compatible with Aryo’s, but Sandi’s blood type is a match – unveiling the secret that Aryo is Sandi and Lita’s child.
Exploring Social Issues Through Film
Herwanayogi explains that “Our Son” delves into issues present in many Indonesian families, particularly the social pressures that give rise to new problems. He notes that these matters are often left unspoken, buried, and eventually become a pile of generational issues. For him, it is important to unravel these layers and talk about them through the medium he knows best: film.
The director wants to convey a message about judgment and personal choice. “That every person carries their own problems and their own choices in life, and we have no right to judge them,” he says.
Producer’s Vision and Market Potential
Producer Hamdan emphasizes the long collaboration with Herwanayogi and the project’s market potential. “Luhki and I have been working together for more than 15 years, and I’ve produced almost all of his short films and commercial portfolios,” he says. “I trust his strong directorial vision and his professionalism – both essential qualities as we step into the industry with this debut feature.”
Hamdan believes the film has strong commercial potential. “I also believe that ‘Our Son’ carries a universal theme while remaining highly relevant to local audiences,” he says. “This combination gives me confidence that the film has strong potential to succeed in both domestic and international markets.”
Seeking Support and Partnerships
At JAFF Market, the team seeks post-production support and distribution partners. “We hope to find partners to support our post-production – especially grading, music, and sound,” the filmmakers say. “We’re also looking for investors who can help strengthen our marketing and have strong connections with domestic exhibitors, as well as festivals and international sales agents for global distribution.”
JAFF Future Project Overview
JAFF Future Project functions as both a development platform and co-production hub, designed to advance independent works toward completion and distribution. The initiative runs Nov. 29-Dec. 1 at the Jogja Expo Center in Yogyakarta as part of the broader 20th-anniversary celebration of the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival.
Additional Projects at JAFF Future Project
Other notable projects include the observational documentary ‘Aluk,’ which traces seven years with an Indonesian Tana Toraja family, and the time-travel drama ‘To My Dearest, My Dear’ from the director of ‘The Most Handsome Fish on Earth.’ These films highlight the diverse range of stories being explored at the festival.
