First Breath After Coma

Synopsis

In the late 1990s, Indonesia transitions from an authoritarian regime marked by suppression and discrimination against the ethnic Chinese community. With the regime’s collapse, hope arises for a new era. Amidst this change, three Chinese-Indonesian siblings, George, Rachel, and Lily, face personal dilemmas while caring for their comatose father.

George, 39, struggles with a faltering political career and marital strife, seeking his affluent wife’s financial support for his father’s medical needs. Rachel, 36, manages their father’s cotton business amid an economic downturn, resorting to covert means to cover hospital expenses. Lily, 25, dreams of moving to the United States but feels bound by familial duty, complicating her relationship with her boyfriend of a different faith.

As Indonesia celebrates its first public Chinese New Year in decades, the siblings’ personal struggles converge in their father’s hospital room. The festivities symbolize cultural resurgence and national healing as they confront their father’s passing, standing at a crossroads in both their lives and their nation’s history.

Director’s Statement

As a Chinese-Indonesian filmmaker, I feel a strong need to bring back the important stories of my community during the difficult years of 1998 to 2000—a time filled with fear, uncertainty, and resilience. ‘First Breath After Coma’ is a personal journey into a past that shaped who we are. It’s a tribute to the strength of a community that faced great hardships but still held onto hope.

Growing up, I saw the silent struggles on the faces of my family members. My uncle had to hide his identity to succeed in a world that wouldn’t accept him as he was. My aunt left Indonesia after the riots—a reminder of the personal costs of social unrest. Our home was also a cotton business—a chaotic mix of family life and work, filled with the sounds of sewing machines, the feel of fabric, and unspoken fears in every corner.

At the heart of our film is Sujono, a father in a coma. His condition reflects a community that was silenced but not defeated. His unresponsive state shows the suppressed voices and hidden identities of many people. His children—George, who hides his insecurities behind a strong front; Rachel, the protector who carries her own burdens; and Lily, who wants freedom but is tied by family duty—represent the emotions of a generation caught between the past and an uncertain future.

Artistically, I want to immerse the audience in the raw and intimate world of this family. Using natural settings and a smooth, empathetic camera style, we will capture small glances and brief moments that speak volumes. The gritty visuals and harsh lighting of Jakarta’s backdrop are intentional—they mirror the inner struggles of our characters and the chaos around them. I want viewers to feel the weight of unspoken words, the tension in shared silences, and the warmth of rare, tender moments.

Through ‘First Breath After Coma,’ I hope to evoke deep feelings of empathy and reflection. It’s a story about the unbreakable bonds of family during hard times, the struggle for identity in a world that demands conformity, and the quiet courage it takes to hope when hope seems lost. By sharing this story, I aim to honor those who lived through these challenging times and invite audiences to connect with a piece of history that still resonates today.