Letters from Prague

Angga Dwimas Sasongko's 2016 Indonesian film follows Larasati, who travels to Prague to carry out her mother's last wish, taking with her a box full of letters. The letters belong to an old man living there. He is one of those who were studying abroad after 1965 and could not return; the narrative ties that historical condition to a personal story and shows what happened to people whose citizenship was taken away. Tio Pakusadewo and Julie Estelle lead. The tone is measured; the politics stay in the background while supplying the reason for the narrative. Who it's for: viewers of Indonesian history and of stories built through letters. Who it's not for: viewers expecting a full historical account of what followed 1965; the film gives it through individuals.