Documentary "Aluk" Chronicles Life, Death, and Change in Tana Toraja, Indonesia

The documentary project "Aluk", led by director Chris C.F, is part of the exciting lineup for the JAFF Future Project. The film follows three generations of a family in Tana Toraja, Indonesia, over seven years, weaving a story of growth, loss, and transformation. The narrative is anchored by a moving exploration of the life, customs, and ultimate death of family patriarch Ne’ Minda. His wisdom and devotion to the ancestral way of life known as Aluk To Dolo impart lessons of resilience and respect for community and environment.

While the community is facing an uncertain future due to climate change, societal shifts, and the departure of young people seeking opportunities elsewhere, "Aluk" keeps a steadfast lens on the family's life. It provides a visceral documentation of their trials and triumphs, including the difficult choices of Marsel’s mother and uncle – whether to stay in their ancestral village or seek a different life elsewhere.

The roots of "Aluk" are grounded in the director's own family history and his curiosity about global attitudes towards death. Guided by the raw experience of mourning his grandfather, a Holocaust survivor who rebuilt his life in Australia, Chris C.F started exploring how death is navigated around the globe. That journey led him to Tana Toraja, where the practice of spending extended periods with lost loved ones and celebrating their lives in a festive manner presented a stark contrast to his previous experiences.

The journey to bring "Aluk" to life faced its own trials and setbacks. Despite challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and international travel restrictions, the team maintained dedication to the project, keeping a continual presence in Tana Toraja since their first visit in 2017. The unexpected death of Ne’ Minda in 2023 provided a poignant emphasis to the narratives the film sets to explore.

Now, the team eagerly anticipates the opportunity to share "Aluk" with a wider audience and collaborate with other creatives in the industry through the JAFF Future Project. According to Chris C.F, the film is meant to be a tribute to Ne’ Minda and a profound exploration of Tana Toraja community’s devotion to their land and ancestors. "Aluk" is less about mysticism than it is about the deeply meaningful everyday labor, interactions, community symbols, and human relationships foundational to their culture – it’s a film about love, says the director.