Set to arrive in Indonesian cinemas ahead of Mother’s Day in December 2026, Desember Jani promises a heartfelt story about family, healing, and the quiet strength of women.
Jakarta, May 22, 2026 — After celebrating a decade of remarkable storytelling and award-winning productions, Palari Films is ready to open a new chapter with its latest feature film, Desember Jani (Jani Be Good). But this is not just another family drama. The film stands out as a true All Women Project — written, produced, directed, and led entirely by women from different generations and creative backgrounds.
The project marks the feature film directorial debut of acclaimed visual artist and filmmaker Ariani Darmawan. The screenplay is written by award-winning novelist and poet Cyntha Hariadi, who also steps into screenwriting for the very first time. Producing the film are Meiske Taurisia and Muhammad Zaidy, with Meiske emphasizing the importance of creating space for women’s voices both behind and in front of the camera.
“This is Palari Films’ first project that feels entirely feminine,” said producer Meiske Taurisia. “Everyone involved — from the filmmakers to the cast — are women, and the story itself is deeply connected to women’s experiences, especially the relationship between mothers and daughters.”
A Story About Women Who Have Forgotten How to Speak to Each Other
At the heart of Desember Jani is an intimate story about three generations of women living under one roof, slowly drifting apart emotionally until the youngest among them, 13-year-old Jani, decides to become the bridge that reconnects the family.
The film explores themes that resonate deeply with many Indonesian families: emotional distance between generations, unspoken love, unresolved guilt, and the courage to begin again.
Director Ariani Darmawan shared that the project gave her the freedom to fully explore her creative vision, especially by using Bandung as the main setting of the story — a city that holds personal sentimental value for her.
“This is an extraordinary project,” Ariani said. “Together with Palari Films, I was able to explore creative ideas more freely. Bandung becomes more than just a backdrop in this film — it carries emotional meaning for me. Alongside this incredible cast of women, we created a story that I hope will warm audiences’ hearts at the end of the year.”
A Powerful Ensemble of Women Across Generations
One of the film’s biggest strengths lies in its cast, which brings together actresses from different generations, each carrying a distinct emotional layer into the story.
Veteran actress Tutie Kirana portrays Oma Peggy, a 75-year-old grandmother who expresses love not through words, but through quiet actions. Sigi Wimala plays Winnie, a mother burdened by years of unspoken guilt. Newcomer Hyori Mika stars as Julia, a daughter who left home without knowing how to return. Meanwhile, Chempa Puteri takes on her first leading role as Jani, the observant 13-year-old who sees the fractures within her family more clearly than anyone else.
For Sigi Wimala, returning to the big screen after a long absence felt unexpectedly comforting.
“We were given a lot of time to bond as a family before filming,” Sigi explained. “Everything developed organically, without pressure or rush. So when filming started, we already felt incredibly comfortable with each other.”
Chempa Puteri, despite already appearing in several films, described Desember Jani as a major milestone in her career.
“I practiced building chemistry with Mama Sigi, Oma Tutie, director Ariani, and producer Dede,” Chempa shared. “I learned so much from the amazing people involved in this film and gained experiences I’ll always treasure.”
There is also a unique story behind the casting of Hyori Mika. Director Ariani first noticed her performance in a train commercial and immediately asked the casting team to find her. That chance encounter eventually led Hyori to land the role of Julia in Ariani’s feature film debut.
“I’m very grateful to be trusted with the role of Julia,” Hyori said. “She’s the eldest daughter who chooses to leave home because she feels unheard. This film is also the beginning of my journey in cinema, and I hope Julia can represent audiences who struggle with boundaries and self-identity.”
A Celebration of Women’s Strength
Adding even more emotional weight to the film is legendary Indonesian actress Tutie Kirana, whose career has spanned since the 1970s and earned her five Citra Award nominations. In Desember Jani, she portrays a resilient elderly woman who continues running her lumpia business despite her age.
“As women, we must remain empowered, even in old age,” Tutie said. “Being surrounded by such strong women in this film made everything feel united within the story.”
Scheduled to premiere just before Mother’s Day on December 22, 2026, Desember Jani feels perfectly timed — a touching cinematic reflection on women, family, and the kind of love that sometimes takes years to finally find its voice.
Leave a Reply