Madani Short Film Competition 1

Once Upon A Night

Erlina Rakhmawati | 2023 | Indonesia | 18:51 min | Indonesian, Sub: English | PG

Tupiah, a 42-year-old pregnant mother of four, steps in one night to cover her husband's neighborhood watch duty, bringing snacks as a bribe for the watchmen. Instead of the expected guards, she meets other mothers filling in for their spouses. In this unexpected encounter, a powerful sisterhood forms as they unite to confront a thief, showcasing their shared empathy, bravery, and solidarity. Erlina Rakhmawati, a filmmaker from Yogyakarta, Indonesia, is known for her nuanced narratives addressing social issues such as gender, ecology, and diversity. With 11 years in scriptwriting and 3 years in directing short films, her work has earned local and national awards. She co-founded Artikulasi Pictures Artikulasi Performatif (@artikulasi.visi), Artikulasi Performatif (@artikulasi.visi), and Nada Bicara, using her films to inspire and advocate for change.