Mira Lesmana Filmaker
Through films, we can show the face of Indonesia
Not many filmakers have delved into the lives of Indonesians in remote areas. But seasoned producer Mira Lesmana sees a wealth of interesting stories from the outer islands. One of Mira's films, Atambua 39 Celcius (2012) explores the culture of West Timor in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province, not a frequently visited area. The film uses the local Tetun dialect, which is fast disappearing. "I have this wish to preserve something before it changes or disappears," said the founder of Miles Films production company,
NTT is the background of her 2014 film, Pendekar Tongkat Emas (Knight of the Golden Rod), which was produced in Waingapu, Sumba. "I happen to be in love with NTT, a region with a unique character. I have travelled to the islands of Flores, Timor and Sumba, but I have yet to visit the smaller islands, like Sabu and Rote," said 50-year-old Mira.