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New documentary highlights Sumba women's hopes and challenges
Prominent director Lasja F. Susatyo sheds light on the struggles and dreams of women in Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara, in her two-part documentary.
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Cultural heritage: 'The Woven Path: Perempuan Tana Humba' is made up of two short movies that highlight the role of women in Sumba culture. (Tanakhir Films/-)
S
umba in East Nusa Tenggara is known for its scenic views, well-preserved traditions and ikat – resist-dyed cloth that is painstakingly hand-woven by Sumba women before it graces the capital’s runways.
Perhaps one would surmise that the women of Sumba are highly respected in their society, given their significant economic and cultural contributions. But are they?
Director Lasja F. Susatyo sought to answer this question in The Woven Path: Perempuan Tana Humba. Produced by Tanakhir Films, the two-part documentary showcases Lasja’s exploration of poetic storytelling.
The first part of the documentary, The Woven Path, is a 10-minutes movie featuring picturesque footage and images that serve as a backdrop to two poems centering on the theme of mothers.
Penned by Sumba-born poets Umbu Landu Paranggi and Diana Timoria, the poems touch on the generations of Sumba women and their dedication to life, speaking of wanderlust and duty, before turning toward home in Sumba.
The poems are read by young actors Jefri Nichol and Aurora Ribero.
“Umbu Landu Paranggi’s poem, if we reflect back on it, is also evocative of what he feels about the motherland. I see it as a suffering mother who is bathed in glory, as if because she is suffering in the first place,” Lasja explained.
