Exploring the Complexities of Women’s Perspectives Through Worn Out, Girl’s Dormitory, and Renoir

On its fifth day, JAFF20 presented a lineup of films centered on female characters, including Worn Out (Judheg) (Misya Latief, 2025), competing in the Indonesian Screen Awards; Girl’s Dormitory (Asrama Dara) (Usmar Ismail, 1958), screened for the first time in its newly completed 4K restoration; and Renoir (Chie Hayakawa, 2025) from the Panorama program.

Worn Out examines the harsh reality of child marriage, still prevalent in many rural communities. The story follows Warti, a teenage girl forced to shoulder the weight of being a mother, wife, and breadwinner, while her husband Supri sinks into online gambling and abusive behavior. Meanwhile, Girl’s Dormitory—a legendary classic by Usmar Ismail—follows several young women living in a dormitory under the care of Bu Siti, who becomes a maternal figure for them, each navigating her own personal journey. Renoir brings forward the story of Fuki, an 11-year-old girl living on the outskirts of Tokyo with a terminally ill father and a mother overwhelmed by working full-time while caregiving. With little attention from her parents, Fuki turns inward, seeking comfort in the world she builds for herself.

Together, these three films illuminate the many ways women confront the complexities of their lived realities. Worn Out becomes a voice for women who choose to break free from cycles of violence, even at great personal risk. Girl’s Dormitory, a coming-of-age musical drama with layered narratives, explores friendship, romance, and family through the vibrant lives of its characters. On the other hand, Renoir raises issues surrounding women and children, touching on maternal struggle and the threat of pedophilia.

During the post-screening Q&A of Worn Out, director Misya Latief shared that the film was inspired by her concern over the alarming number of teenage dropouts and child marriages that perpetuate structural poverty in her village. She aimed to capture the lives of young mothers trapped in double burdens—managing households, working, and dealing with unemployed partners.

Worn Out (Judheg) will have its second screening on 4 December 2025 at 21.30 WIB at Empire XXI, and Girl’s Dormitory (Asrama Dara) will have the second screening on 6 December at 12.45 WIB at Empire XXI. More information is available at jaff-filmfest.org and on social media @jaffjogja.