Observational Doc ‘Aluk’ Traces Seven Years With Indonesian Family

Chris C.F’s observational documentary “Aluk,” which follows three generations of a family in Tana Toraja, Indonesia over seven years as they reckon with the loss of their patriarch and their community’s uncertain future, is selected for the JAFF Future Project as a work-in-progress. The Australia-Indonesia co-production, directed by Chris C.F and produced by Sam Hewison and Wahyu Al Mardhani through production company Cut By Dog Production, is among 10 Asia-Pacific titles selected for the JAFF Future Project at this year’s JAFF Market in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. “Aluk” follows four members of a Tana Toraja family: Ne’ Minda, the grandfather; Ma’ Adel, the mother; Pong Kenny, the uncle; and Marsel, the son. The film traces Marsel’s childhood over seven years, as his grandfather reveals his ancestors’ way of life — Aluk To Dolo, one grounded in the maintenance of environmental equilibrium.