A DISTANT CALL

Andrea Suwito I 2026 ID UK FR I 4K 99’ I Bugis, Indonesian

“extraordinarily rare” - POV

Synopsis

The Bugis, the largest ethnic group in South Sulawesi, recognise five genders:  man, woman, trans man, trans woman and the ‘bissu’.The latter who transcend distinctions between male and female, were once revered spiritual leaders. 

Eka, one of the last remaining, has built a hardworking life as a wedding decorator and a beloved fixture of the village. Yet beneath Eka’s cheerful exterior, they are feeling torn between tradition, faith, and self. 

As the country grows more polarised, Eka makes a life-changing decision, one that means letting go of their gender-fluid identity but would place Eka in a respected social stature.

This documentary opens a vibrant world in which fluid identities and competing belief systems exist side by side, offering a perspective unlike anything many audiences may be familiar with. Through Eka’s journey, the film explores identity, spirituality, and the quiet courage it takes to find belonging in a world that insists on definitions. 

Festivals

Hot Docs, Visions Du Réel

Credits

Directed by Andrea Suwito

Produced by Finbar Somers, Umbra Motion Picture Company (UK), Mandy Marahimin, Talamedia (ID), 

Xavier Rocher, La Fabrica Nocturna Cinéma (FR)