Indonesian female directors discuss literary roots in film careers

Three prominent Indonesian female film directors—Hadrah Daeng Ratu, Naya Anindita, and Ginanti Rona—shared how their passion for literacy and storytelling led them to the film industry during a discussion in Jakarta.

Hadrah Daeng Ratu, founder of the production house Narasi Semesta, noted that her interest in narratives began in junior high school through reading and writing short stories. She further developed her skills by participating in high school theater and committing to watching one film every day to study production processes. Her works include ‘Assalamualaikum Baitullah’ and ‘Jangan Buang Ibu’.

Naya Anindita, director of ‘Komang’, was influenced by her father, who wrote film scripts for family viewing. After exploring various interests, she pursued multimedia and broadcasting studies.

Ginanti Rona attributed her entry into film to a lifelong habit of reading and keeping a diary, which led her to study at the Jakarta Institute of the Arts (IKJ). She emphasized that hands-on production experience helped her navigate the complexities and pressures of the profession.