Under the Moonlight

Director: Tonny Trimarsanto
Release Year: 2023

"Under the Moonlight," directed by Tonny Trimarsanto, is a powerful and moving documentary that delves deep into the lives of transgender individuals in Indonesia. Released in 2023, the film offers an intimate look at the experiences of transgender people living at an Islamic boarding school in Yogyakarta. This school, which serves as a sanctuary for its transgender students, provides them with a rare opportunity to live openly and authentically in a society where their identities are often rejected, vilified, and even criminalized.

 

At the heart of the documentary is Al Fatah, a small Islamic school in Yogyakarta, where all the adult students are transgender. Within the walls of this boarding school, they find a rare space where they can express themselves freely, without fear of discrimination or violence. In stark contrast to the hostile and intolerant world outside, Al Fatah offers a nurturing environment where these individuals can live their lives on their own terms, practice their faith, engage in work, and pursue happiness - despite the adversity they face. Throughout the film, the transgender residents of Al Fatah are shown engaging in everyday activities - cooking, praying, laughing, and sharing moments of joy with one another. These moments of cheerfulness are even evident when they face the uncomfortable reality of taking HIV tests, a situation they meet with light-hearted humor and camaraderie. The documentary paints a picture of their resilience and determination, as they continue to live their lives with dignity and positivity, despite the discrimination and challenges they encounter both inside and outside their community. 

 

"Under the Moonlight" provides a humanizing portrait of transgender individuals, emphasizing their shared humanity and the fundamental truth that everyone deserves love, respect, and the right to live authentically. The film gently dismantles the societal prejudices that often surround transgender people by showing them not as enigmatic or 'other,' but as human beings who share the same desires for acceptance, connection, and fulfillment as anyone else. The film poses no judgments but rather offers a compassionate exploration of the lives of these individuals, allowing the audience to see them as they truly are. The documentary also addresses the external forces of prejudice and oppression that transgender individuals often face in Indonesia. At one point, a religious extremist group attempts to shut down the activities at Al Fatah, seeking to forbid the students from continuing their lives as they see fit. Rather than responding with anger or resistance, the students continue to live joyfully, unperturbed by the threat. They continue cooking, praying, singing, and carrying on with their daily routines, embodying resilience in the face of hostility. In the face of adversity, they choose to celebrate life, embracing gratitude and finding happiness in the smallest of moments. 

 

The moon, a recurring symbol in the documentary, serves as a reminder of the universal equality that exists beneath its light. It shines down on all people, without distinction or judgment. In its serene glow, "Under the Moonlight" invites viewers to reflect on the vastness of the universe and the importance of creating spaces where all individuals - regardless of their identity - can live, be loved, and practice their beliefs peacefully. The moon's light acts as a metaphor for the acceptance and warmth that should be extended to all people, transcending differences and fostering a world where everyone can coexist harmoniously. The documentary’s portrayal of life at Al Fatah also highlights the challenges faced by transgender individuals in Indonesia, where societal attitudes toward gender and sexuality are often steeped in religious conservatism and intolerance. Posters displayed on the streets warn against LGBT people, describing them as a "contagious disease" and urging the public to reject them. Transgender women, in particular, are often targeted for abuse and violence, with many forced to live in fear of being exposed or attacked.

 

The film contrasts this harsh reality with the sense of belonging and acceptance that transgender individuals find at Al Fatah, where they can be their true selves without the constant threat of persecution. Despite the closure of Al Fatah by the government in 2016 - ostensibly due to complaints from the local community - activities at the school gradually resumed in 2021. This restoration marks a significant victory for the transgender community, showing their resilience and determination to reclaim their space and continue living authentically. The documentary captures the bittersweet reality of this struggle, as the transgender residents of Al Fatah navigate the complex and often hostile social landscape of Indonesia, while still managing to find moments of joy and solidarity. Tonny Trimarsanto, who previously explored transgender lives in Indonesia with his 2021 film "The Mangoes," brings his signature observational style to "Under the Moonlight." His camera lingers on the everyday moments of life at Al Fatah, capturing the subtle yet profound interactions that reveal the students' inner worlds. Trimarsanto refrains from passing judgment, instead allowing the viewers to form their own understanding of the lives of these transgender individuals. His approach is gentle and empathetic, focusing on the humanity of his subjects rather than sensationalizing their struggles.

 

In conclusion, "Under the Moonlight" is more than just a documentary about transgender people in Indonesia; it is a celebration of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of adversity. It challenges viewers to reconsider preconceived notions about gender and identity, and it highlights the importance of creating safe spaces where everyone can live authentically. Through its beautiful and intimate portrayal of life at Al Fatah, the film reminds us that, beneath the light of the moon, all human beings are equal - worthy of love, respect, and the right to live their truth without fear or judgment.

 

via: youtube

ffd.or.id and imdb

Image credits: YouTube