Ziarah (2016)
A tender, slow-burning Indonesian drama about a 95-year-old woman's unwavering search for her long-lost husband's grave.
Ziarah - Movie Information
- Original Title: Ziarah
- Release Year: 2016
- Directed by: B.W. Purbanegara
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Romance
- Runtime: 1h 27m
- Original Language: Javanese
- Spoken Languages: Indonesian, Javanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 18, 2017 (Indonesia)
- Production Companies: Padi Padi Creative, Purbanegara Films, Limaenam Films, Lotus Cinema, Hide Project Films, Super 8mm Studio
- Production Countries: Indonesia
Ziarah - Plot
Mbah Sri (95 years old) is looking for the grave of her husband, who has been missing for decades, with one simple aim: she wants to rest in peace beside her husband's grave.
Ziarah - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Mbah Sri's extraordinary journey unfold:
Ziarah - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- B.W. Purbanegara
Main Cast
- Ponco Sutiyem
- Rukman Rosadi
- Ledjar Subroto
- Vera Prifatamasari
- E. Suhardjendro
- Sasmo Wiyanto
- Sugeng Prihatin
- Supriyanto
- Harso Diyono
- Sartorejo
Writers
- B.W. Purbanegara
Producers
- B.W. Purbanegara
Ziarah - FAQs
What is Ziarah about?
Ziarah follows Mbah Sri, a 95-year-old Javanese woman who embarks on a quiet, determined journey to find the grave of her husband, missing for decades. Her singular wish is to be buried beside him. The film is a meditative portrait of enduring love, memory, and the dignity of old age.
Is Ziarah based on a true story?
Ziarah was inspired by real stories of elderly Javanese women still searching for husbands who disappeared during Indonesia's turbulent political upheavals of the 1960s. Director B.W. Purbanegara drew on these historical accounts to craft a deeply personal and culturally resonant narrative about love, loss, and unresolved grief.
Who directed Ziarah and who wrote the screenplay?
Ziarah was both written and directed by B.W. Purbanegara, an Indonesian filmmaker. He also served as producer on the project. The film marked a significant debut, earning Purbanegara international recognition for his restrained, contemplative approach to storytelling rooted in Javanese culture and history.
Who plays the lead role in Ziarah?
The central role of Mbah Sri is played by Ponco Sutiyem, a non-professional actress who was genuinely elderly at the time of filming. Her naturalistic, deeply felt performance became one of the film's most celebrated elements, earning widespread praise from critics and festival audiences alike.
What language is Ziarah filmed in?
Ziarah is primarily filmed in Javanese, with Indonesian also spoken throughout. The use of Javanese language is central to the film's cultural authenticity, grounding the story in the traditions, rhythms, and emotional textures of rural Javanese life in Indonesia.
When was Ziarah officially released?
Ziarah was officially released in Indonesia on May 18, 2017. The film had previously screened at various international film festivals, where it garnered critical acclaim and awards recognition before reaching Indonesian audiences through its domestic theatrical release.
Did Ziarah win any awards or festival recognition?
Yes, Ziarah received significant international recognition. The film won the NETPAC Award at the Singapore International Film Festival and earned praise at multiple festivals across Asia and Europe. Lead actress Ponco Sutiyem's performance was particularly singled out for its remarkable authenticity and emotional depth.
How long is Ziarah?
Ziarah has a runtime of 87 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 27 minutes. Its measured pace mirrors the unhurried journey of its elderly protagonist, allowing the film's quiet emotional weight and contemplative atmosphere to build gradually over its relatively compact running time.
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