Friends of AFA members may bring a friend for free by choosing the “General + Friends of AFA” option that covers one pair of tickets. 

Director: Garin Nugroho
Runtime: 118 minutes
Country: Indonesia
Language: Bahasa Indonesia, Sumbanese with English subtitles
Rating: NC16 (Some Violence and Disturbing Scenes)

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Awards

GOLD PRIZE (Young Cinema Competition)
Tokyo International Film Festival 1994

GOLDEN CHARYBDIS (Best Feature Film)
Taormina International Film Festival 1994

Synopsis

The film was the first to be shot on Sumba Island, one of the last bastions of pre-Hindu animism. Made with help from locals, this fairy tale follows Lewa, a boy who believes in an angel that looks after the earth. Having lost his mother early, Lewa writes to the angel for answers but is frustrated with the lack of reply. After a tourist gifts him with a Polaroid, Lewa looks for his mother through a new medium. However, his incessant photography brings disaster to the island. Adapting a story then banned under Suharto, the film shows traditional Indonesian society to be at odds with modernity; its mix of folk music and experimental electronica heightening the sense of cultural clash.

Restoration Info
Asian Film Archive’s restoration of Garin Nugroho’s Surat Untuk Bidadari was made possible using two surviving 35mm release prints, one from the collection of Sinematek Indonesia, and the other from Japan Foundation that contained English and Japanese subtitles. After inspection and comparison, the print from the Japan Foundation was found to be a complete version of the film and was used as a secondary source to replace missing frames from the Indonesian print. The print from Sinematek Indonesia was also affected by dirt, shrinkage, and numerous thick scratches on the emulsion and base of the material.

The film was scanned and restored in 4K resolution by Éclair Cinema in 2018 and completed in 2019. The restoration work included scratch removal, stabilising, deflickering, and colour correction. Additional audio processing, including the removal of noise, clicks, and hums, was also carried out to ensure a better auditory experience.

For the full Reframe: INLAND, ISLAND programme, please visit the main programme page here.

Oldham Theatre’s opening hours

Friends of AFA members may select the “Friends of AFA” option and enter your membership number if you wish to redeem your remaining complimentary tickets.

For further assistance, please contact us at ticketing@asianfilmarchive.org 

Important Notice:

Measures will be taken to ensure the health and safety of all patrons at Oldham Theatre. This includes wearing a mask at all times for both staff and patrons and observance of social distancing around the theatre. From 3 November 2021, an individual is cleared for entry at Oldham Theatre if they fulfill any of the below criteria:

– Fully vaccinated (including the 14 days window after the second dose)
– Recovered from COVID-19 within the last 270 days
– Obtained a negative result on a pre-event test taken in the past 24 hours before the expected end of the event, either by means of ART or PCR testing through an official government approved medical provider

Please present proof of vaccination via the TraceTogether App, HealthHub App, or an official notice recognised by the Singapore government.

Do note that Oldham Theatre does not play ads and screenings will start promptly. Doors will open 20 minutes before showtime. Arrive early to register, find a seat and avoid disrupting screenings. All patrons are encouraged to purchase your tickets online to be able to secure a seat. Seats are limited due to social distancing regulations. If you choose to purchase tickets or merchandise at Oldham Theatre’s box office, cashless payment is preferred.

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T&Cs
Concession tickets apply to Students (Local & Overseas), Full-time National Servicemen (NSF), Senior Citizens (55 years and above) only.

Please check film ratings before purchase of tickets. Please note that you may be asked to present your ID at the door (this applies to concession tickets as well). Only physical photographic identification is allowed, digital copies of identification are not allowed. AFA reserves the right to turn away any members of the public without physical photographic identification.

Upon confirmation of your order for Tickets, no exchange of Tickets will be made under any circumstances and Tickets are not transferable. No refund on Tickets will be made under any circumstances except due to cancellation of the event. The resale of Tickets at any price is prohibited.