Position Among the Stars

Position Among the Stars (2011)

Stand van de sterren

One family, three generations, facing globalisation in Indonesia

Through the eyes of grandmother Rumidjah, a poor old Christian woman living in the slums of Jakarta, we see the economical changing society of Indonesia and the influence of globalization reflected in the life of her juvenile granddaughter Tari and her sons Bakti and Dwi.

Date of release
2011-03-03
TMDB
8.4 / 10 (7)
Runtime
1h 49m
Genres
Documentary, History
Director
Leonard Retel Helmrich

Interesting facts

  • Awards: 0 · Nominations: 1

Position Among the Stars is a 2010 documentary film directed by Leonard Retel Helmrich. It was released on 17 November 2010 as the opening film of the IDFA. The documentary is the continuation of Eye of the Day and Shape of the Moon and follows again the Sjamsuddin family, consisting of three generations, living in the slums of Jakarta, Indonesia.

Background

Director Leonard Retel Helmrich observed the fortunes of the Sjamsuddin family living in a Jakarta slum for twelve years. The result is a trilogy, covering the effects of the changing economy, politics and religion in Indonesia on family dynamics. Every part stands for its own tense: the past, the present and the future of the country. Yet, each film stands on its own and can be watched individually.

While the tumultuous changes that have rocked Indonesian society swirl around the family, more than anything Leonard Retel Helmrich has intimately captured a family in transition as they adjust to bewildering gaps in education, outlook, religion and even class among three generations jammed into cramped quarters.

Retel Helmrich filmed in a remarkably intimate cinema verité style that he calls Single Shot Cinema, which emphasizes camera movement and long takes.

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