Memories of My Body

Juno, a sensitive boy in a village on Java, struggles with confusing impressions following the sudden departure of his father. Juno practises with a traditional Lengger dance company, where male dancers can assume female forms. He is attracted by the sensuality of this, but he is also shocked when he sees how seduction can lead to violence. He begins to discover his own sexual identity while becoming friends with a young boxer and an old dance teacher.

Modern politics and traditional Indonesian dance, masculinity and femininity merge in this new film from Garin Nugroho, a versatile filmmaker who has regularly attended IFFR. Using straightforward means, he creates an impression of complex emotional and social relations at the time of Suharto’s resignation. The last episode is the most politically charged in this at times enchanting, at times realistic-poetic story. Inspired by the life of choreographer and dancer Rianto, who himself acts as a narrator through mini-performances and poignant recollections: “My body is my home.”

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