

A group of 10 students struggles with poverty and develop hopes for the future in Gantong Village on the farming and tin mining island of Belitung.
Acting
Cut Mini's teacher performance is quietly devastating.
Cinematography
Belitung's landscapes look beautiful because they trap people.
Writing
Child POV that never feels precious or fake.

Director
Riri Riza
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Based on Andrea Hirata's autobiographical novel, the film sparked a 'Belitung tourism boom' that locals still debate—pilgrimage or poverty tourism?
Director Riri Riza cast actual Belitung children with zero acting experience; their raw performances were captured in single takes to preserve authenticity.