Sara is a 2023 drama film directed and written by Ismail Basbeth. The film stars Asha Smara Darra in the titular role and Christine Hakim as her mother.
It had its world premiere at the 28th Busan International Film Festival on 6 October 2023. It received two nominations at the 2023 Indonesian Film Festival: Best Actress for Darra and Best Supporting Actress for Hakim.
Premise
Sara, a trans woman, returns to her conservative hometown for her father's funeral. She discovers her mother Muryem, who suffers from dementia, does not recognize her.
Cast
Asha Smara Darra as Sara
Christine Hakim as Muryem, Sara's mother
Mian Tiara as Ayu, Sara's childhood best friend
Jajang C. Noer as Saidah, Ayu's mother
Landung Simatupang as Said, an ustad also a best friend of Sara's father
Production
Principal photography took place in a village in Central Java. In a press conference, Noer shared that the cast also settled together with the local villagers.
Release
Sara had its world premiere at the 28th Busan International Film Festival on 6 October 2023 during the A Window on Asian Cinema and Special Program in Focus: Renaissance of Indonesian Cinema programs.
Accolades
Sara was nominated for two categories at the 2023 Indonesian Film Festival. Darra became the first trans woman to be nominated for the Best Actress category.