THE ART OF LIFE:
The Mother of Indonesian Artists

For The Love of The Arts, Melani Setiawan

Director: Erwin Darmali | Running time: 26 minutes | Released: 2024 | Genre: Documentary Short Biographical |
Rating: G

About the film:
This story is about an incredible character and transformational journey of Dr. Melani Setiawan, from a woman who saw paintings as decorative pieces for her home, to becoming one of the most influential and highly regarded person in the international world of art.

Her curiosity led her to learn about the message artists were trying to convey through their art. Seeing the challenges they face, she started helping them in any way she could. She became the biggest true supporter for artists, through ways that defy all norms. 

Artists fondly call her:
The Mother of Indonesian Artists.

This short film premiered as the headliner of Art Jakarta in 2024.

old photograph of a woman and an artist working on wood in a village
film screenshot of a person's face on the top, below is the scrapbook of artist's correspondence being flipped through