Postcards from the Zoo (2012)
A dreamlike Indonesian drama about a girl raised by a zoo, a mysterious magician, and the pull of a world she never knew.
Postcards from the Zoo - Movie Information
- Original Title: Kebun Binatang
- Release Year: 2012
- Directed by: Edwin
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Original Language: Indonesian
- Spoken Languages: Indonesian
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 30, 2012 (Netherlands - AL), January 17, 2013 (Germany)
- Alternative Titles: Postcards from the Zoo (SE), Hayvanat Bahçesinden Kartpostallar (TR), Pocztówki z zoo (PL), Die Nacht der Giraffe (DE), Postcards from the Zoo (US)
- Production Companies: Pallas Film, Babibutafilm
- Production Countries: Indonesia, Germany, Hong Kong
Postcards from the Zoo - Plot
Little Lana was 3 years old when she was abandoned alone in the zoo. Raised by a giraffe trainer, the zoo is the only world she knows. Until one day, a charming magician arrives and Lana finds her love, for she is ready to leave the zoo. Lana embarks on journey, until one day, she decided to go back to the place where she was abandoned.
Postcards from the Zoo - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a feel for Edwin's quietly mesmerizing world:
Where to Watch Postcards from the Zoo
Looking for where to watch Postcards from the Zoo?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Postcards from the Zoo - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Edwin
Main Cast
- Ladya Cheryl
- Nicholas Saputra
- Adjie Nur Ahmad
- Klarysa Aurelia
- Dave Lumenta
- Nazira C. Noer
- Heidy Trisiana Triswan
Writers
- Edwin
Producers
- Meiske Taurisia
Postcards from the Zoo - FAQs
What is Postcards from the Zoo about?
Postcards from the Zoo follows Lana, abandoned at a Jakarta zoo as a toddler and raised by its staff. She grows up knowing only the zoo's rhythms and animals, until a mysterious magician sweeps her into the outside world — a journey that ultimately leads her back to where she began.
Who directed Postcards from the Zoo?
Postcards from the Zoo was directed by Edwin, one of Indonesia's most distinctive arthouse filmmakers. Known for his poetic, visually driven style, Edwin brought a dreamlike quality to this story of a young woman navigating identity, belonging, and the strange beauty of the world beyond her zoo.
Who are the lead actors in Postcards from the Zoo?
Ladya Cheryl plays Lana, the young woman at the heart of the story, while Nicholas Saputra portrays the enigmatic Cowboy magician who draws her away from the zoo. The supporting cast includes Adjie Nur Ahmad, Klarysa Aurelia, Dave Lumenta, Nazira C. Noer, and Heidy Trisiana Triswan.
What does the zoo symbolize in this film?
The zoo in Postcards from the Zoo works as a rich metaphor for containment, safety, and the tension between captivity and freedom. Lana's entire world is bounded by its walls — the animals mirror her own condition of being both sheltered and confined, making her eventual departure and return deeply resonant.
When was Postcards from the Zoo released?
Postcards from the Zoo had its initial release on August 30, 2012 in the Netherlands, followed by a German release on January 17, 2013. The film also received a US release date of March 17, 2013, giving it a gradual international rollout across multiple markets.
Is Postcards from the Zoo based on a true story?
No, Postcards from the Zoo is not based on a true story. It is an original work written and directed by Edwin. The film draws on poetic and surrealist storytelling traditions rather than real events, using the zoo setting as a symbolic landscape to explore themes of identity, longing, and belonging.
What films are similar to Postcards from the Zoo?
If you enjoyed Postcards from the Zoo, you might appreciate Wild Diamond (2024), Trance (2020), Black Dog (2024), or The Goat Life (2024) for their similarly contemplative, character-driven drama. My Giraffe (2017) and Buddy (1997) also share the film's warm focus on human-animal relationships.
How long is Postcards from the Zoo?
Postcards from the Zoo runs for 96 minutes, or about an hour and 36 minutes. It's a compact, unhurried film that uses its runtime thoughtfully — Edwin's direction favors atmosphere and quiet observation over plot momentum, making the pacing feel deliberate and immersive rather than slow.
More About Postcards from the Zoo
Explore further details about this film on these trusted resources: