Imagine sitting in a cinema in 2025, yet watching a film from 1958 in striking clarity—an experience that feels both unfamiliar and deeply nostalgic. This was the atmosphere at the 20th Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF20) during the premiere screening of the 4K-restored Girls’ Dormitory (Asrama Dara) (dir. Usmar Ismail, 1958) on Saturday (06/12). The classic film returned to the big screen at JAFF20 through a collaboration between Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture, the Usmar Ismail Cinema Society (UICS), and Sinematek Indonesia.
The choice of Girls’ Dormitory as the 2024 restoration project was grounded in a clear and compelling intention. Panji Wibisono, representing the Ministry of Culture, explained the desire to reveal another facet of Usmar Ismail, widely revered as the father of Indonesian cinema. While audiences have long associated his work with stories of struggle and nationhood, such as Darah dan Doa (1950), Girls’ Dormitory highlights his deft handling of the musical drama genre, showcasing a different creative range.
This act of preservation carries particular significance, as the film’s original materials were nearly lost and had long been kept at Sinematek. Through the restoration process, contemporary audiences can once again appreciate the captivating performance of a young Suzanna, who went on to win Best Child Actress at the 1960 Asian Film Festival. The story of the girls living in the dormitory remains surprisingly resonant, drawing laughter and enthusiasm from viewers across generations. The screening concluded with a presentation comparing images from before and after the restoration, underscoring the care invested in the process.
The spirit of preservation behind this project is hoped to continue, safeguarding the nation’s cinematic heritage for years to come. Fahri Hanif, Head of Sinematek Indonesia, reaffirmed the institution’s open commitment to this mission. He emphasized that Sinematek is ready to receive and care for deposited film archives and screenplays free of charge, ensuring their availability for future study and research.
Writer: Meutia Rafa Anandita
Photos: JAFF Documentation Team
